Lansing Sun

No. 2 Michigan State and No. 4 Minnesota played to a 3-3 tie on Saturday night at Munn Arena, with the Spartans securing the overtime point through a shootout victory. This result allowed Michigan State to take five of six points over the weekend, giving them a six-point lead over Minnesota in the Big Ten standings with eight regular-season games remaining.

The game remained tied at 3-3 entering the final period, as both teams vied for control in the last 20 minutes. Michigan State had more opportunities in overtime, but Gopher goalie Liam Souliere made key saves to maintain the tie. In the shootout, Daniel Russell and Isaac Howard scored for MSU, while Minnesota's Jimmy Snuggerud and Ryan Chesley failed to convert their chances.

MSU led 1-0 after the first period thanks to Matt Basgall's goal. The second period saw an exchange of goals—three from Minnesota and two from MSU's Joey Larson and Tanner Kelly—resulting in a 3-3 tie by intermission.

Kelly contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, while David Gucciardi provided two assists. Souliere ended with 35 saves following his relief appearance on Friday. Trey Augustine recorded 18 saves and earned his first assist of the season on Larson's goal.

Next weekend, MSU will travel to Columbus to face No. 9 Ohio State in a series beginning Thursday.

In their four encounters this season, MSU and Minnesota have drawn twice at 3-3, with MSU winning both shootouts. The Spartans concluded their season series against Minnesota with two wins and two ties, capturing ten out of twelve available points in Big Ten play.

Tanner Kelly recorded his third multi-point game of the season during Saturday’s match-up, scoring one goal and assisting another. Matt Basgall netted his fifth goal of the season—a career high—and now has nineteen points this year.

Joey Larson achieved his ninth goal through an individual effort that involved eluding a defender before beating Souliere glove-side. David Gucciardi also improved his scoring line with two assists after netting two goals on Friday.

Augustine’s record against top-five ranked teams stands at three wins, one loss, and two ties following Saturday’s performance where he registered eighteen saves—the fewest he has made in any Big Ten game this season.

Nicklas Andrews set a personal best by blocking six shots during this game; he blocked nine shots throughout the series as part of MSU's combined total of twenty-five blocks across both games.