MSU hockey beats Notre Dame in tight series opener on Thursday

It was 80's night at Munn Ice Arena on Thursday, and the Spartans celebrated in style.

Michigan State hockey wore throwback jerseys and battled their way to a 4-2 victory over Notre Dame in the weekend series opener on Thursday night. The game was tight throughout, with the Spartans simply making a few more key plays to earn the victory over the Fighting Irish.

It was a back-and-forth opening period, with the Spartans striking first but Notre Dame responding. Michigan State got on the board only three minutes into the game on a sharp shot from Max Strbak. But Notre Dame would answer only two minutes later with the equalizer from Dashel Oliver. Both teams would get some additional chances in the opening frame but it would remain 1-1 heading into the first intermission.

The second period started off similar to the first, with the Spartans striking quickly into the frame. Charlie Stramel was able to get one past the Notre Dame goaltender on the power play less than three minutes into the period to put Michigan State back on top. However, Notre Dame would respond again only two minutes later with a power play goal themselves. Michigan State would take the lead late in the period on a Gavin O'Connell goal in the final two minutes of the period, giving the Spartans a 3-2 advantage going into the second intermission.

The third period didn't include as much excitement as both teams got a few opportunities but ultimately the lone goal was an empty netter from Porter Martone to seal the Spartans victory late.

With the win, Michigan State improves to 23-6-0 overall and 14-5-0 (42 points) on the year. The Spartans now trail rival Michigan by one point in the Big Ten standings, with Michigan State having one game in hand.

Michigan State and Notre Dame will return to the ice to wrap up their two-game weekend series on Friday night from Munn Ice Arena. Faceoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Friday, with the game again televised on the Big Ten Network.

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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Michigan State hockey edges out Notre Dame for series opening win