EAST LANSING - Michigan State and No. 17 Minnesota played an even game for much of the night on Friday at Munn Ice Arena, but a rebound goal by the Gophers’ Tommy Novak with 7:09 to play in the third period snapped a 2-2 tie and proved to the be the game-winner. Minnesota (18-14, 13-4) added an empty-net goal in the waning seconds to make the final score 4-2.
Matt DeBlouw and Mackenzie MacEachern scored for the Spartans (9-21-3, 5-11-1).
“We didn’t make enough plays to win the game tonight. I thought we made a lot of good plays, but they generated the puck-luck they needed in certain situations and finished their opportunities,” said MSU head coach Tom Anastos.