Wisconsin Sweeps No. 1 Michigan State in Hard-Fought Series

The top-ranked Michigan State hockey team saw its nine-game winning streak end with a tough weekend against No. 7 Wisconsin, as the Badgers captured both games in a physical and closely contested series.

Friday, Nov. 21: MSU jumped out to a strong start, with Daniel Russell setting up Porter Martone for an early goal at 8:00 of the first period. Martone struck again on the power play at 12:26, giving the Spartans a 2-0 lead. Wisconsin responded in the second period with three goals, including a power-play tally from Christian Fitzgerald and goals by Blake Montgomery and Adam Pietila, taking a 4-2 advantage. MSU fought back late in the third, with Ryker Lee and Martone scoring within 50 seconds to narrow the deficit to 5-4, but the Spartans couldn’t find the equalizer, and the Badgers held on for the win.

Saturday, Nov. 22: The series concluded in dramatic fashion. Wisconsin struck first again on the power play, with Blake Montgomery scoring at 10:06 of the second period. Michigan State refused to go quietly, as Martone pulled the puck from behind the net in the final minute to tie the game 1-1. However, in overtime, Wisconsin defenseman Ben Dexheimer redirected a pass from Christian Fitzgerald past MSU goaltender Trey Augustine at 2:36, clinching the 2-1 win and the series sweep. Pulver made 32 saves for the Badgers, while Augustine finished with 26 stops.

Freshman Martone finished the series with four goals and five points, showing his ability to rise to the occasion, but Wisconsin’s clutch play and solid goaltending proved the difference. The Spartans now look to regroup and refocus as they move forward in the season.