"We obviously earned some power plays there and we were able to capitalize and the kill, I thought they did a heck of a job," head coach Adam Nightingale said post game. "There were some critical moments where we were shorthanded, and we gave up that one at the end, but for the most part, I thought we did a really good job."

Just like in game one, Michigan State struck first in game two. The Spartans used the man advantage well, as junior defenseman Matt Basgall was able to rip the puck from the blue line directly past Logan Stein for the first goal of the game. Nightingale said that the team, when given the opportunity, smells those moments and tries to capitalize.

"Even when our guys didn’t score, creating multiple chances, getting some momentum and likewise on the kill," Nightingale said. "(Michigan) is dangerous on the power play and I thought we did a good job and limited it. At the end of the day they have five guys, we have four, you’re going to give up something."

With the second and third goal of the night, junior forward Charlie Stramel was able to capitalize on Stein, not only scoring an even strength goal but also notching a shorthanded goal for the team’s fourth shorthanded goal of the season. He teamed up with junior forward Isaac Howard and sophomore defenseman Austin Oravetz to score on the penalty kill for the team’s third goal.

"With it being such a chippy series you know you’re going to be on the kill and on the power play a lot," Stramel said. "Really just taking advantage of those opportunities, whether it's the kill or the power play. A lot of times who wins the special teams can win the game in this series. So it’s a very important key of emphasis."

After a quiet game one, the top line of Stramel, Howard, and junior forward Daniel Russell bounced back, combining for six points in game two.

Though Howard was not able to put a goal on the board, he was able to help the team to their victory in the form of assists, which he had three of in the night two victory. Howard now ties his career best 36 points with 10 games to go in the regular season and continues to hold on to his national lead in points thus far in the season.

Game one showed lingering tensions from the NCAA tournament, resulting in just three penalties and a Wolverine power-play goal. With a total of 72 penalty minutes on night two, not only did the power play, but also the penalty kill opportunities show great light on the depth of the Spartans to power them to the dominant 4-1 victory.  

"I think it’s crucial for success. Special teams plays a big part in serieses and games, so it’s good that we’re clicking on a good pace," Howard said.

MSU returns to Munn Ice Arena to face Minnesota on Friday, Jan. 24, and Saturday, Jan. 25.