Michigan hockey drops tight competition at Michigan State

EAST LANSING The games against Michigan State have been easy for the Michigan hockey team last season, and the Wolverines’ 6-0 record against the Spartans last season has been tight.

But it’s a new day in East Lansing, and that was clear from the opening.

During a season when its program has been boosted by a change of coach, No. 12 Michigan State (12-6-1 overall, 6-4-1 Big Ten) tested No. 6 Michigan (11-7-1, 3-). 6) is going on like it wasn’t in previous years. In a back-and-forth game where the teams traded positions, the Wolverines couldn’t match the unfamiliar opposition and lost 2-1.

The Spartans’ tenacity showed in the opening game. In an open first period with few early stops, Michigan dominated possession and forced turnovers in its offensive zone. Only one ended up on the scoreboard on a wired wrist shot by freshman forward TJ Hughes.

But Michigan State didn’t back down, with a pair of fumbles. On a Spartan power play that cost them the lead, after the puck was jerked, the energy shifted to the loud Spartans, who capitalized on a shorthanded goal by defenseman Cole Krygier.

And unlike previous meetings, the Spartans ran with that energy.

After giving up a few good shots to Michigans first line, they leaned on their speed to create some hot chances. That led to their second goal, with the puck slipping past an avalanche of would-be shot blockers after junior goaltender Erik Portillo was pulled out of the net. Michigan created its own chances, but was met with a brick wall in the Spartans net by goaltender Dylan St. Cyr.

After the start of the third period, the Wolverines displayed a measured offensive approach that saw them take the ball into the offensive zone and try to create scoring chances. Most of that was by force, as Michigan State kept the bodies back to focus on preventing the tying field goal. A few shots hit the net, often just past St. Cyr.

At the other end, the Spartans made the most of their opportunities by dropping the puck into the net and fighting for rebounds. This strategy required Portillo to make the right saves, but his defense also prevented a certain goal that rolled straight to the goal line before it was cleared.

The rest of the period continued with open play, exemplified by the final media timeout, which is usually called midway through the period, with just 3:48 on the clock. Looking for a tie, the Wolverines huddled around their coaches to come up with a plan.

A minute later, they pulled Portillo from the extra skater and battled for the equalizer. They struggled to fully recover their man advantage, but they found opportunities by cutting into the defense. However, St. Cyr stopped them easily and caught the game.

Against a Michigan State team with newfound resilience, Michigan faced an unfamiliar setback. In the end, they suffered their first loss to the Spartans in two seasons.