Michigan Outlasts Michigan State in Overtime Thriller at Yost Ice Arena
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - In a game that lived up to the billing of a No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown, Michigan edged out Michigan State 4-3 in overtime on Friday night at Yost Ice Arena. It was everything you'd expect from two of the top teams in college hockey - physical, fast-paced, and filled with momentum swings - and it sets the stage for an even bigger clash Saturday in Detroit.
Despite the loss, Michigan State walks away with a critical point in the Big Ten standings, keeping them in the hunt with 36 points. Michigan, meanwhile, grabs the full two points with the OT win, improving their conference record and holding onto the top spot.
“Tough finish,” said MSU head coach Adam Nightingale. “I thought it was a great hockey game.
Both teams played well and both goalies were really good. I liked us in the first two periods.
Tough pill to swallow but now it's about regrouping and being ready for tomorrow.”
And he’s right - this one had all the makings of a classic.
Spartans Start Strong, But Wolverines Rally Late
Michigan State came out with purpose, and it showed early. Senior forward Charlie Stramel continued his standout season, opening the scoring late in the first period. Freshman Porter Martone sent a puck into the crease, and Stramel did what top-line players do - found the rebound and buried it.
But Michigan answered quickly, tying the game less than two minutes later on a deflection that left MSU goalie Trey Augustine with no chance. That 1-1 scoreline held into the first intermission.
The second period belonged to the Spartans. Sophomore forward Shane Vansaghi muscled his way past a Michigan defender and ripped a high-glove snipe to give MSU a 2-1 lead.
Just two minutes later, after a shot from Daniel Russell created a rebound, Stramel found Owen West in the slot. West didn’t hesitate - he wired a shot home to make it 3-1.
At that point, MSU had all the momentum, and Augustine was sharp between the pipes, turning away everything Michigan threw at him in the second.
Wolverines Storm Back, Capitalize in OT
But Michigan didn’t stay quiet for long. The Wolverines came out in the third with renewed energy and scored twice to erase the deficit.
The tying goal came shorthanded - a gut-punch for the Spartans - after Martone rang a shot off the inside of the post that stayed out. Seconds later, Michigan turned the tide and found the back of the net.
That set up an overtime period that was tense from the drop. Less than two minutes in, a Spartan penalty gave Michigan a 4-on-3 power play. MSU nearly killed it off, but with under two minutes to go in the extra frame, the Wolverines slipped a puck past Augustine that barely trickled over the line.
Game over. Michigan gets the win. MSU is left with a tough loss - but not an empty one.
Key Takeaways
- Charlie Stramel continues to be a force on the top line, finishing the night with a goal and an assist. His presence in front of the net is a problem for every team MSU faces.
- Daniel Russell quietly put together a strong game with two assists, showing his value as a playmaker.
- Trey Augustine made 31 saves and was solid in net, especially in the second period when the Spartans built their lead.
- The stat sheet was tight: shots were nearly even (35-34 in favor of Michigan), and MSU actually blocked more shots (21 to Michigan’s 17). But faceoffs told a different story - Michigan dominated the dot, winning 45 draws to MSU’s 30.
That edge in possession proved crucial down the stretch.
What’s Next: Duel in the D
The good news for Michigan State? They don’t have to wait long for a shot at redemption.
Saturday night brings the annual ‘Duel in the D’ at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit - a neutral-site showdown that always brings extra energy. With both teams battling for Big Ten supremacy and playoff positioning, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Michigan may have taken Round 1, but don’t expect the Spartans to go quietly in Round 2. This rivalry is alive and well - and far from finished.