Sure Friday's clash between Michigan State hockey and rival Michigan didn't go how Spartan fans wanted it, as the Wolverines scored a late goal to win that matchup 2-1.
That didn't change the goal for the Spartans in Saturday's annual clash at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The Duel in the D as it is called, didn't disappoint.
Back-to-Back Duel in the D wins for @MSU_Hockey 🏆📸#GoGreen pic.twitter.com/JxNfDxmBlO
— Michigan State Athletics (@MSU_Athletics) February 10, 2025
In front of a crowd of over 19,000 people, the Spartans showed why they are not only the class of the state and the class of the Big Ten but maybe also the class of the field in the NCAA.
The Spartans completely outclassed a game Wolverines squad. After a first period goal by Shane Vansaghi put the Spartans ahead 1-0, Michigan's Tyler Duke notted the game up midway through the second period.
That only led to a lot of green and white goals, as the Spartans scored five unasnwered goals to bring the final total to 6-1 victory over Michigan.
Gavin O'Connell gave the Spartans the lead for good with his snipe of a shot past Michigan's freshman goaltender. The scoring continued when Spartan freshman Mikey D'Angelo on in on the fun.
The intensity leveled up in the third period, as the Spartans and Wolverine started getting intense on the ice. Plenty of penalties on both sides.
Even in the physicality, Michigan State continued to put pucks in the net. After the game was well out of reach at 5-1, a huge scrum in front of the benches, brought on a huge penalty that saw two Wolverine players kicked from the game.
That led to the Spartans top player Isaac Howard netting his 22nd goal of the season, as he continues his hunt for the Hobey Baker Award, which goes to the nation's top college player.
It was a complete domination put on display by the Spartans, and they hold a five-point lead over Minnesota atop the Big Ten.