Michigan State hockey will remain on top of the Big Ten after a dramatic 4-3 second overtime victory against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament title. In what ended up being the longest game in Big Ten Hockey history, the Spartans have done something that no other team has ever done. The Spartans made history by being the first Big Ten team to win both the regular season and the tournament in consecutive seasons.
After a night of history, let’s look back at some of the keys that sealed this game for the Spartans.
1. Special teams strike early
Whenever the playoffs come around, it always seems as though the refs put their whistles away. This allows for more intensity and attempts to let teams settle the game at 5-on-5. The Buckeyes forced the refs very early to make a number of penalty calls. Over the course of the 1st period allowed the Spartans to go on the powerplay four times. Especially in high stakes games like this game, that will often help teams lose games. The Buckeyes just seemed as though they wanted to set the tone early, but it ended up putting them in a huge hole.
On those four powerplays the Spartans were able to score on two of them to take an early 2-0 lead only 12 minutes into the game. The first goal came courtesy of Karsen Dorwart following a great pass from the Isaac Howard that he didn’t miss. Only minutes later, Dorwart would return the favor and after winning the faceoff and he would set up Isaac Howard to take the early 2-0 lead.
The efficiency by these two guys got the Munn crowd involved, as well as getting the team on top early.
2. Stifling defense limits Buckeye offense
Over the course of this game, both defenses played exceptionally well. This was done in very different ways though. To the credit of the Buckeyes, their shot blocking in this matchup was unbelievable. Ohio State was able to block a total of 30 Michigan State hockey shots throughout the game. They did their homework and limited a very high volume shooting offense. The Spartans on the other hand provided some elite stick checking throughout the game to limit the offensive zone time for Ohio State. MSU also did a fantastic job focusing on the back-check to prevent too many high percentage chances for the Buckeyes.
A few players specifically that stood out on the defensive end for the Spartans include David Gucciardi, Maxim Strbak, and Matt Basgall. All of these guys provided a huge boost by making the plays that limited the Buckeyes’ high percentage shots. In particular David Gucciardi needs to receive some love for coming back after going down early in the game. Gucciardi was helped off of the ice but returned later in the period and played out the game. He even got an assist on the championship winning goal.
3. Trey Augustine comes in clutch
There is not much that can be said about Trey Augustine that hasn’t been said. He is an elite goalie who will likely be making some noise soon in the NHL. He provided a steady presence through a very long and chaotic game. Even when Michigan State hockey lost its 3-1 lead late on some unlucky plays, Augustine came through. He has shown that when the spotlight is bright, he is not afraid to take the moment. That ability is why he continues to add accolades and trophies to his resume. Along with adding another tournament championship, Augustine also adds another Big Ten goaltender of the year, and an All-Tournament Team honor.
One moment in particular that stands out is the entire penalty kill in the first OT. The Buckeyes continued to get off a number of shots but Augustine stood tall. In total he faced forty-one shots which solidified him as a member of the all-tournament team. Without the calm presence that Augustine offers in net, this could have ended in a very different outcome.
4. Conditioning shines through
As I have mentioned, this game was long. So long in fact that it broke the record for the longest game in Big Ten Hockey history at just over 95 minutes in length. That record was previously held by the 2017 tournament semifinal game between Minnesota and Penn State. While that is a nice piece of history to be a part of, it is exhausting for players. In the post game presser, both Augustine and Howard discussed how their conditioning helped them through that game.
It is worth noting that using the all important eye test, the guys only seemed to get better as the game went on. Of course the pace might have slowed a bit, but because of the intensity, it was negligible. The conditioning of this team is certainly a strength that other teams will hope they don’t have to face in the tournament. When paired with the strong depth that the Spartans have on this team, it is no mystery why this team is one of the best in all of college hockey.
5. Isaac Howard solidifies Hobey Baker conversation
Howard has elevated his game to another level this season. The junior forward has tripled his goal total this season (26-25-51) and has made himself look like a big steal for the Tampa Bay Lightning. In the last week, he has also added a few more accolades to his name. After being named Big Ten Player of the Year and All-Big Ten first team, Howard added All-Big Ten Tournament Team and Tournament MVP to his resume. As the Spartans were awarded their medals on Saturday night, the entire crowd began chanting “Hobey Baker”.
One can’t help but argue that he has a very strong case that was only elevated by this tournament championship.
In the game itself, Howard factored in on all four goals. He ended with two assists and two goals. The most important point of course being the goal in second overtime. This man does so much for this team and it is hard to picture anybody else who is more deserving of this award. It will be very important that Spartan fans make their voices heard in the fan voting for the award. If Howard is chosen, he would be only the 3rd Spartan to win the Hobey Baker Award.
What’s next?
With the conference tournament now completed, Michigan State hockey prepares for the NCAA Tournament. The team will be playing close by in Toledo, Ohio, at the Huntington Center (Home of the Toledo Walleye). The region includes Michigan State, Cornell, Ohio State, and Boston University. While it will not be an easy road to the Frozen Four, the Spartans are up to the task.
The Spartans will start their quest for a national championship on Thursday March 27. They will take on the Cornell Big Red at 5:30 p.m. ET. If the Spartans win that game they will face the winner of Ohio State and Boston University. Both of these regionals games will be on ESPNU and ESPN+. Any of the Spartan games will also be broadcast on the Spartan Media Network.
For more great content on Spartan Hockey and updates on the tournament make sure to follow me @ikerss98 and @MSUShadowsPod on X.
BASKETBALL2 weeks ago
FOOTBALL2 weeks ago
BASKETBALL2 weeks ago
MORE SPORTS2 weeks ago
