Michigan State Hockey: Spartans Sweep Terriers in Boston

Following a lackluster opening season against New Hampshire, the No. 3 ranked Spartans (3-1-0) went to Boston for a date with No. 1 ranked Boston University (2-2-1). This series was pegged to be one of the best non-conference series this season. Between the 32 NHL draftees and the offensive explosion, it lived up to the hype. Michigan State hockey recorded the sweep and made their case to reclaim their spot as the top ranked team in college hockey. The ensuing polls reflected that.

Game One Recap

Any questions about whether the struggles from the New Hampshire series would continue were ended quickly. Only six minutes into the 1st period, Matt Basgall fed Charlie Stramel right in front of the net where he redirected the pass into the net on the power play. The early momentum for the Spartans only escalated from there. After freshman Austin Baker got called for a cross checking major, the Spartans got a short handed goals to extend the lead. It was the first collegiate goal for Eric Nilson, a 2nd round pick by the Anaheim Ducks last June.

Later on in the powerplay, the Terriers brought it to 2-1 when Sascha Boumedienne ripped it from the blue line and snuck it past Augustine. Great teams are able to respond to adversity though. Cayden Lindstrom, one of the premier acquisitions this year, scored his first as a Spartan. Going into the first intermission, MSU maintained a demanding 3-1 lead.

That lead established in the 1st was vital to establishing the momentum for this game. As the game went on it was clear that it was too much for the Terriers to handle. The team did not waiver and powered through for an impressive 4-2 win. Following the first BU goal, Trey Augustine gained his rhythm and settled in for an 18-save night. That energy would carry over into the 2nd game.

Game Two Recap

The second game of this series was much more like what many expected. This game had the feeling of a national championship game. Tensions were very high and both teams gave it their all and gave us an instant classic. Early on it seemed as though Michigan State would continue their dominance. That carried through the first two periods with goals from Ryker Lee and Porter Martone.

The third period is where the momentum swung in favor of the Terriers. For an offense that could not seem to get timely chances most of the game, they turned it up in the 3rd. The Terrier offense showed how they can quickly take over a game when they scored three goals in the third. Along with another Spartan goal by Tommi Mannisto the game was tied up 3-3 and went to overtime.

In the overtime period, both teams had a number of chances. The 3-vs.-3 setup allows for more ice and more chances and both teams made the most of them. What sealed the deal though for the Spartans will likely go down as one of the best sequences college hockey will see all season.

The Terriers entered the offensive zone on a 2-vs.-1 and Owen McLaughlin found Cole Eiserman, who got off a shot. The shot just barely hit Trey Augustine and would have sneaked over the line. Had it not been for Shane Vansaghi, who had his stick in the right place at the right time, the game would have been over. Vansaghi’s swat gave Ryker Lee the ability to make a play to Matt Basgall. The new Spartan captain did not miss and ended the game with a minute remaining in overtime. Even though the Spartans are only three weeks into the season, that goal will be tough to beat.

Series Overview

It was pegged to be a great series, and it did not disappoint. In reality, the Spartans controlled game one and were fortunate to hang on for game two. Wins are wins though, and these will be excellent resume builders for the Spartans. There are a number of things to take from these two games as the Spartans prepare for Northern Michigan this weekend.

One of the first takeaways from this past weekend needs to be the offensive production from the freshman. Of the 8 goals scored in over the weekend, half of them were scored by the freshman. That just exemplifies the influence that Coach Adam Nightingale has had on this program. This team, despite losing top level talent, has been replenished, and dare I say gotten better. It will take time for everyone to gel, but it is clearly off to a great start.

Another takeaway from this series needs to be the play of Trey Augustine. While Augustine is one of the best goalies in college hockey, he has shown that in big moments he can blink. To be fair to Augustine, the Terriers are an exceptional team, but the team can’t allow three goals late. If these two teams meet again in the NCAA Tournament, Augustine will need to be on top of his game.

The Spartans will now prepare for a series with the Northern Michigan Wildcats up in Marquette this Friday and Saturday. Michigan State will look to build on this impressive weekend and allow their young core to continue to grow.

Keep checking back with Spartan Shadows for more updates on Michigan State Hockey all season long and follow @MSUShadowsPod and @ikerss98 for live updates.