Michigan State Keeps Rolling, Western Michigan Stays Hot, and Alex Lyon Makes History in Sabres Shutout
Michigan State Edges Minnesota to Complete the Sweep
No. 2 Michigan State continues to look like a serious contender in the Big Ten, grinding out a 3-2 win over Minnesota on Saturday night at Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing. With the victory, the Spartans not only completed the weekend sweep but also pulled within a single point of top-ranked Michigan in the conference standings.
Daniel Russell, Matt Basgall, and Tommi Mannisto each found the back of the net, while standout goaltender Trey Augustine turned away 29 shots to preserve the win. It wasn’t just a win-it was a statement. Minnesota pushed hard, but Michigan State showed poise and balance in all three zones, especially when it mattered most in the third period.
With momentum on their side, the Spartans now head into a marquee matchup at Penn State next weekend. And here’s the twist: the series finale will be played outdoors at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 1 p.m.-a rare spectacle that’s sure to bring a playoff-like atmosphere. If Michigan State keeps this form, that outdoor game could have major implications in the Big Ten title race.
Western Michigan Stays Red-Hot with OT Win at Minnesota Duluth
Western Michigan is playing some of its best hockey of the season, and Saturday’s 4-3 overtime win over Minnesota Duluth at AMSOIL Arena was just the latest chapter in their impressive run. Liam Valente played the hero, scoring twice-including the game-winner in OT-to lift the Broncos to their ninth straight victory.
Iiro Hakkarainen and Bobby Cowan also chipped in goals, while Hampton Slukynsky stood tall in net with 30 saves. This Western Michigan squad, now 18-6-0, is showing the kind of depth and resilience that makes them dangerous come tournament time. They’ll return to Lawson Arena next weekend to host Omaha, looking to keep the streak alive in front of their home crowd.
Alex Lyon Ties Sabres Record in Shutout Win Over Islanders
Alex Lyon is making Buffalo feel like home-and fast. The former Red Wings netminder stopped all 26 shots he faced on Saturday night, leading the Sabres to a dominant 5-0 win over the New York Islanders on Long Island. With the performance, Lyon tied a franchise record with his ninth consecutive victory, matching Gerry Desjardins’ mark set back in the 1976-77 season.
Jason Zucker scored twice, including a quick-strike wrist shot just 33 seconds into the second period, and then added another just 25 seconds into the third to put the game out of reach. Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Alex Tuch rounded out the scoring for Buffalo, who have now won three straight and five of their last seven.
This wasn’t just about Lyon’s shutout-it was a complete team effort. Ryan McLeod and Mattias Samuelsson each picked up a pair of assists, and the Sabres improved to a scorching 18-3-1 over their last 22 games. If this keeps up, Buffalo might just be the team nobody wants to face down the stretch.
As for the Islanders, it was a rough return home after a seven-game road trip. David Rittich made 16 saves but had little help in front of him, especially in the second and third periods when Buffalo’s offense found another gear. Bo Horvat did return to the lineup after missing nine games with a lower-body injury, but the Islanders couldn’t generate enough to test Lyon consistently.
Around the NHL: Hurricanes Surge to the Top
In Ottawa, Carolina wasted no time taking control. William Carrier, Seth Jarvis, and Taylor Hall all lit the lamp in the first period, and rookie netminder Brandon Bussi made 35 saves to help the Hurricanes cruise past the Senators, 4-1. Andrei Svechnikov added a second-period goal to make it 4-0 before Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle broke the shutout.
The win vaulted Carolina into the Eastern Conference lead, and they’re doing it with a mix of veteran scoring and young talent in net. Before puck drop, the Senators honored longtime coach Jacques Martin with an induction into their Ring of Honor-a classy moment on a tough night for the home team.
Local Highlights: Red Wings Roll, Northern Michigan Wins Rivalry Game
It was a strong Saturday for Michigan hockey fans beyond just the college ranks. The Red Wings handled Winnipeg 5-1, turning in one of their most complete performances of the season. Northern Michigan edged out Michigan Tech 3-2 in a tightly contested rivalry matchup, while Youngstown rolled past the NTDP U17 squad, 8-1.
The NTDP U18 team was in action later Saturday night, facing off against Cedar Rapids.
On Sunday, the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins hit the road to take on Manitoba at 3 p.m.
From college ice battles to NHL milestones, it was a full slate of action-and with outdoor games, playoff races, and hot streaks heating up, the best may be yet to come.