Michigan State hockey leaves no doubt in trip to Minneapolis

Michigan State hockey had to fight tooth and nail during Friday night's opening game at Minnesota. That game was such a thrill it was decided in a shootout.

Sure that game went down as a tie, and Michigan State only got two of the three points. Well, they weren't done showcasing why hockey runs through East Lansing again.

Goaltender Trey Augustine continues to showcase why he's the best goalie in the country, and why the Detroit Red Wings are going to be in a great spot once he moves to the pros.

Saturday's game at Marucci Arena was just as exciting as Friday's matchup. After falling behind 3-1 in the third and final period, the Spartans once again showed their grit. As they rallied off four unanswered goals to win the game 5-3.

Handing the No. 1 Gophers their first true defeat in the Big Ten this season. Minnesota and MSU have been right at the top of the NCAA in hockey so far this season, and the Spartans certainly have staked their claim to be at No. 1 again.

The way they fought back in that third-period was brilliant. Led off by Isaac Howard's goal that trimmed the lead to 3-2 with just under nine minutes remaining in the game. With 6:54 left Maxim Strbak tied the game.

Charlie Stramel gave the Spartans the lead with a laser of a shot 53 seconds after the game tying goal by Strbak.

Not to be outdone Spartan captain Red Savage fired in an empty netter with less than a minute to ice the game at 5-3.

MSU went to Minneapolis with a goal, getting as many points as possible, and they did earning five of the six points up for grabs. I call that more than successful as they head into the holiday break.

The Big Ten is there for the taking, as is the ultimate goal of getting the Spartans back to the mountaintop in college hockey.

It hasn't been an easy road, but East Lansing is buzzing.