Michigan State Hockey: 3 takeaways from exhibition win over University of Windsor

After splitting the series with No. 2 Boston College last weekend, Michigan State hockey came into homecoming weekend for a much needed respite. The team had a one game exhibition on Friday night in East Lansing against the University of Windsor Lancers. The Munn crowd made itself known on Friday night as it treated this game with a high level of intensity that helped propel the team to a 5-0 victory.

Let’s take a quick look back at this game and break down this exhibition showcase.

1. Testing chemistry and mixing up lines

Being in an exhibition game allows a coach to do a lot of things that they normally would not try in a game. Adam Nightingale did just that this week against the University of Windsor. There were a number of players who were moved to different spots in the lineup. This is a great test early in the season to see what chemistry the players came make at 5-on-5 and on special teams.

One player who got moved around a bit was sophomore Griffin Jurecki who was the extra man on the bench. He spent time between the third and fourth lines and saw some limited special teams play. He didn’t register any points, but got three shots off and outside of a penalty, looked solid.

2. Matchup maturity

In the press conference following the game, Nightingale praised the maturity of his team in this game. He added that it can be difficult to maintain composure and play at a high level in these games. Overall, the Spartans played the game at a high level and that is a great sign to show that this team is all business. They will not overlook any opponent and that mentality will help as the team continues with championship aspirations this season. The only area where the maturity may have lapsed were a few penalties, especially the hitting from behind by Tommi Mannisto. That penalty resulted in a five-minute major.

Ironically, the Spartans were able to score two short-handed goals on that penalty against the backup goalie.

3. Isaac Howard is a warrior

Isaac Howard did not register any points in this game, but he was all over the ice. Howard inserted himself into a number of great chances throughout the game, including six shots on net and a +1 rating. He also provided a good defensive effort on special teams on some of the chances that the Lancers were able to get off. The Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick so far this year is making a good case for turning pro next year. Though he is currently a junior, it would not be surprising for him to at least make the move to the AHL and join the Syracuse Crunch if he continues this impressive start.

It’s also worth mentioning that Howard was injured in this game, as he was helped to the bench by the referee in the third period. After stretching, he returned and continued to play tough.

Overall thoughts

It’s easy to say that this game did not matter, but this exhibition game provided a much-needed boost. This Spartan team needs to have as much confidence as they can if they are going to stay with the top level programs in the NCAA this season. So far, they have shown nothing that would put that in doubt. The Spartans will be heading to Buffalo next weekend to take on the Golden Griffins of Canisius University for a weekend series. The games will be online on the Spartan Radio Network and streaming through Flohockey. The games on Friday and Saturday will begin at 7 p.m. ET from Buffalo, N.Y.