After a weekend of sweet victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish where the Michigan State University hockey team had St. Patrick’s Day luck on their side and scored the singular goal of the game to power it to a 1-0 victory, the team is back on the move in the national polls after resting its case as the No. 2 team in the country.
With the Boston College Eagles taking a loss to the Northeastern Huskies in the quarterfinals with a score of 3-1, MSU has swooped in to reclaim its spot, securing the No. 1 spot in the USCHO polls as well as the USA Hockey polls.
The Spartans played profoundly on all cylinders in the victory over the Irish in the semifinal round at Munn Ice Arena. Sophomore netminder Trey Augustine had 17 saves and junior forward Isaac Howard secured his 100th career point and 24th goal of the season on the game winning power play goal.
The Spartan defense played soundly as well with eight blocks and did not allow a single opportunity on the UND power play opportunities. The Spartans were also able to secure 33 faceoff wins, controlling the night in the dot.
MSU is now set to host its second consecutive Big Ten championship game on Ron Mason Rink. The Spartans are welcoming in Logan Terness and the experienced Ohio State Buckeyes, following the away side's win at home against the Penn State Nittany Lions after the ever-so-reliable Gunnarwolfe Fontaine was able to net the sudden death overtime game winner.
Puck drop is set for Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. to see who will take home the trophy.
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