The Michigan State Spartans rallied from a one-goal deficit to skate past the U.S. National Team Development Program U-18 Team in a 6-2 exhibition win on Thursday.
The No. 2-ranked Michigan State Spartans skated to a 6-2 exhibition win over the U.S. National Team Development Program U-18 team on Thursday. Six different players contributed to the scoring for the Spartans, while goaltenders Trey Augustine and Luca Di Pasquo combined for 17 saves throughout the game.
Michigan State went 0-for-1 on the power play but successfully killed off Team USA's only power play opportunity.
Richard Gallant opened the scoring for the NTDP early in the first period after his shot from below the net deflected off Augustine and into the goal. However, the Spartans quickly responded with three consecutive goals to close out the first period.
Charlie Stramel, who finished with six shots on goal, scored at the 10:08 mark of the first period on a cross-ice pass from Matt Basgall. Gavin O'Connell then put Michigan State ahead with just under three minutes remaining in the period after redirecting a shot from the point off the stick of Nicklas Andrews. Two minutes later, Griffin Jurecki capitalized on an NTDP turnover in their defensive zone and buried the loose puck.
At the end of the first 20 minutes, Michigan State led 3-1 and held a 15-4 shots on goal advantage.
The Spartans added two more goals within the first six minutes of the second period. Isaac Howard, who led all Michigan State skaters with three points and seven shots on goal, scored at the 4:50 mark. Less than a minute later, Patrick Geary extended the Spartans' lead to 5-1.
Just over seven minutes into the second period, Jack Murtagh scored an even-strength goal for the NTDP, putting the puck past Di Pasquo, who stopped 14 of 15 shots on the night. However, that was all the offense Team USA could muster, as Michigan State carried a 5-2 lead into the second intermission.
In the third period, Tiernan Shoudy made it a 6-2 lead for Michigan State, cleaning up a rebound after Basgall's initial shot was turned aside.
Michigan State will return to action with a two-game series against Lindenwood at Munn Ice Arena, starting on Friday, November 29.