Lansing Sun

Michigan State University marked a successful beginning to their Big Ten hockey season with a 4-2 win over Ohio State at Munn Ice Arena on Friday. The game was the first loss of the season for the Buckeyes, bringing their record to 7-1-1 overall and 2-1-0 in conference play.

The Spartans took control early, establishing a 3-0 lead shortly after the start of the second period while limiting Ohio State to only 13 shots on goal in the first 50 minutes. Nicklas Andrews and Red Savage scored goals in the first period, with Daniel Russell adding a shorthanded goal less than a minute into the second period. Davis Burnside narrowed the gap for Ohio State late in the second period.

Ohio State increased their offensive efforts in the final ten minutes, outshooting Michigan State 11-2 and cutting the lead to one with Patrick Guzzo's goal following a defensive turnover by MSU. However, Spartan goalie Trey Augustine held firm, making 13 of his total 22 saves during this critical phase.

David Gucciardi secured Michigan State's victory with an empty-net goal at 18:06, after blocking a shot and clearing it down ice. Ohio State's goalie Logan Terness made 23 saves but suffered his first defeat of the season.

Michigan State will face Ohio State again on Saturday evening at Munn Ice Arena.

In detail:

During the first period, Nicklas Andrews scored at 4:20 from a rebound off Shane Vansaghi’s shot. Vladislav Lukashevich assisted Andrews for his second goal of the season. Red Savage then doubled MSU's lead at 15:03 by redirecting Tiernan Shoudy’s shot past Terness.

The Spartans capitalized on an early opportunity in the second period when Daniel Russell scored shorthanded just thirty-one seconds into play after receiving a pass from Patrick Geary via Maxim Štrbák. Despite MSU leading in shots (10-6), OSU managed to score through Davis Burnside at 15:45 from Gunnarwolfe Fontaine’s assist.

In response to pressure from OSU during third-period regulation time, MSU maintained composure until David Gucciardi sealed their win with an empty-netter following his pivotal block against Max Montes’ attempt.

Notably:

This marks MSU's consecutive victory over OSU in Big Ten openers; last year they similarly defeated them at this stage of competition—handing OSU its inaugural loss for this current season (previously only tying against AIC).

Spartans have now won twice against ranked teams within three attempts so far—the other being Boston College earlier last month where results were split across two games played then too!

Trey Augustine recorded fewer saves than usual yet crucially kept up momentum especially towards endgame phases which helped secure overall triumph today...

Andrews initiated scoring rapidly whilst Lukashevich celebrated earning collegiate points contribution-wise via same setup sequence involved therein...

Savage maintained consistency registering goals each series conducted thus far alongside teammate Russell whose performance remains standout notably concerning fifth seasonal mark attained under challenging circumstances presented tonight accordingly…

Štrbák continues leading assists tally-wise demonstrating vital playmaking abilities appreciated throughout collective team effort exhibited visibly amidst proceedings encountered herein ultimately ensuring deserved commendation duly warranted overall!