Hockey Recap: Last-minute goal leads Michigan past Michigan State on the road

It came down to the wire, but Michigan picked up a big road win over Michigan State on Friday night to kickoff its weekend series. Here’s a rundown of all the action from the ice in Michigan’s victory over the Spartans:

Looking to build on the momentum from its win over Penn State last Saturday, Michigan made the trek to East Lansing to take on the No. 2 Michigan State Spartans in a rivalry clash.

The Wolverines were able to buck their recent trend of inconsistency by picking up a win in the series opener by a 2-1 final score. By winning on Friday, its the first time Michigan has won back-to-back wins since wins over Ohio State and Notre Dame the first week of January.

Coming into the game, Michigan knew it was facing an uphill battle against one of the best teams in the nation. It didn’t help matters when the Spartans got on the scoreboard first at the 8:43 mark of the first period, The goal was scored on a Michigan State power play that was given as a result of a Will Horcoff hooking penalty.

Shortly thereafter the momentum returned to Michigan, as the Spartans were called for an interference penalty, which was turned into a five-minute major after the refs deemed Michigan State’s Russell Daniel made contact to the head. The Wolverines were given a 5-on-3 man advantage as a result, and T.J. Hughes cashed in with a goal to make it a 1-1 game. The score would hold for the remainder of the period, and the teams would head into the break tied.

In the second period, the Michigan State attack ratcheted up a notch, as the Spartans got to Michigan goaltender Cameron Korpi for a whopping 20 shots on goal in the period. Korpi held strong, though, blocking all 20 shots. Michigan was unable to score as well despite three power play chances in the period. The Wolverines only managed seven shots on goal with the opportunity, and the teams went into the second intermission still deadlocked.

As the game progressed into its final stages, Michigan was offered some late life, as Michigan State’s Shane Vansaghi was called for high stick with just over five minutes to play. The Spartans killed off the penalty, though, threatening to force a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation.

Not so fast, however. Michigan took advantage in the final minute of the game, as Garrett Schifsky tipped in an Ethan Edwards slap shot to give Michigan a late 2-1 lead. Michigan held on to secure the victory.

The Wolverines got a badly-needed victory against a highly-ranked opponent to help keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive, and Korpi’s 38 saves were a big catalyst. Michigan will hope to ride its momentum into the annual “Duel in the D,” which will be played at Little Caesar’s Arena on Saturday at 8 p.m. on Big Ten Network.