In the second period after a scoreless first, it was clear the Spartans had come to life and were prepared to make their ambush.

Vansaghi's goal was a high tip of the puck and looked just wide, but found the net in a fashion not often seen in hockey.

And just like that, @MSU_Hockey is in the lead thanks to this goal from Shane Vansaghi 👏#B1GHockey on @BigTenPlus 💻 pic.twitter.com/gaZ3iF0Bk0

— Big Ten Hockey (@B1GHockey) November 10, 2024

“I think anytime you get a goal, especially at home with this crowd, there was a great atmosphere,” Vansaghi said postgame. “Anytime you get a goal, it’s a big momentum swing and we get that goal at an important time in the game and it kind of tilted the ice for us.”

Vansaghi said he hoped to get his hands on the go-ahead puck from his first score in college hockey.

“We have a number of guys that have got to be at the net, you gotta be competitive, have hand-eye,” MSU head coach Adam Nightingale said. “It happens fast, that was a heck of a tip. You don’t see that often where it’s that solid. It was missing the net by a bit. . . I thought (Vansaghi) has played really well for us and it’s good to see him get rewarded.”

Although Vansaghi and company are considered the team's fourth forward line, Nightingale preaches a number-less system. To the third-year head coach, MSU has four consistent lines with depth that can produce goals in many ways. 

“I think Shane started really well. He’s been really consistent,” Nightingale said. “Mikey (DeAngelo) was adjusting to college hockey and the pace. I mean, he’s a guy that was captain in the USHL and a really good hockey player.”

Männistö adds speed with the ability to fly up and down the ice, racing for pucks in the Spartans' offensive zone and chasing down opposing players to prevent scoring opportunities. It's clear the group enjoys playing together. 

“Tommi (Männistö) is unbelievable. I love playing with him," Vansaghi said. "He loves to fly around. He creates so much space for us, especially on the breakouts. For our line to be able to get on the forecheck is our identity right now, it’s been working really well for us.”

Being an 18-year old in college hockey is a big transition from the United States National Team Development Program, but with passing game and shifts, Vansaghi has completed his checks better, skated harder and made more plays. His growth has been consistent through just eight games. 

“The mentality has always been to work hard for me in my career,” Vansaghi said.  ”It’s a cliche saying but I truly believe in just blocking out all the outside noise and just getting after it every single shift.”