WATCH: Tempers Flare, Fights Break Out In MSU-UM Hockey Match
In a game that totaled 91 combined penalty minutes, No. 15 Michigan State hockey fell by the score of 4-2 to in-state rival No. 5 Michigan on Friday night at Munn Arena.
The Wolverines scored the first three goals of the night, and led 3-0 after the first period. However, MSU battled back with their first goal early in the second period to close to within 3-1.
Things began getting chippy later in that second period after Michigan's Ethan Edwards laid a big hit on MSU's Matt Basgall behind the Spartans' net. Edwards was hit with a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct, which resulted in an ejection. Basgall would leave the game to be tended to in the locker room before later returning. (Watch the hit below)
Big hit in the MSU-UM hockey game from last night. Things got chippy between the two teams after this. pic.twitter.com/LZRCwAJavQ
— Matthew Lounsberry (@mlounsberry_SI) February 11, 2023
After that hit, there were several scuffles throughout the remainder of the night.
The first came when Michigan State's Jaggar Joshua took a swipe at U-M goalie Erik Portillo. Three Wolverines immediately surrounded Joshua, pushing and shoving the Spartan away.
First little dust-up in front of the Wolverines net. pic.twitter.com/FIAem1XwlE
— Matthew Lounsberry (@mlounsberry_SI) February 11, 2023
Less than 30 seconds later, Joshua appeared to be pushed into Portillo again by Michigan's Adam Fantilli. Joshua and Fantilli had words before pushing and shoving ensued, sparking the first melee of the night.
Things escalate more after another dust up in front of Michigan’s net. pic.twitter.com/mXugyKMapg
— Matthew Lounsberry (@mlounsberry_SI) February 11, 2023
Roughly 20 seconds after that, Fantilli drew a penalty, took a bump from Michigan State's Nash Nienhuis. Fantilli retaliated to the bump by cross checking Nienhuis in the back. That was the last straw, as both teams came together for another big melee.
MSU’s Nash Nienhuis gives U-M’s Adam Fantilli a bump. Fantilli takes exception and gives Nienhuis a cross check in the back, and here we go… pic.twitter.com/dT5jqGVZKg
— Matthew Lounsberry (@mlounsberry_SI) February 11, 2023
Fantilli was hit with a two-minute penalty for roughing, a five-minute penalty for fighting. Nienhuis was penalized two minutes for hooking, five for fighting. Both players were hit with game misconducts, ejected from the game and neither will be eligible to play on Saturday night in the rematch between these two squads.
In the melee that followed, Michigan State's Tanner Kelly and Michigan's Luke Hughes were each hit with two-minute fighting penalties.
Early in the third period, after Michigan was hit with a "too many men on the ice" penalty, the Spartans closed to within one goal on the following power play. The Wolverines led 3-2 with 14:25 left in the game.
Spartans are back within a goal with this pretty play by Russell, Dorwart, and Muller. Sixth of the season for the senior. pic.twitter.com/40hnsS9klg
— Michigan State Hockey (@MSU_Hockey) February 11, 2023
The Spartans' comeback efforts would fall short however. Michigan State pulled goalie Dylan St. Cyr in an attempt to tie the game, but the Wolverines scored an empty net goal with 58 seconds left.
The final goal prompted a third and final melee. David Gucciardi and Cole Krygier were involved for Michigan State, while Gavin Brindley and Nolan Moyle contributed for Michigan. Krygier was hit with a game misconduct for abuse of the officials, while Gucciardi was given a misconduct for roughing.
Michigan scores an empty net goal. U-M’s Nolan Moyle knocks MSU’s Cole Krygier down with a push in the back, and the teams come together again. pic.twitter.com/rNClP4UQ3H
— Matthew Lounsberry (@mlounsberry_SI) February 11, 2023
Michigan State and Michigan will meet against Saturday night at Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit to complete the season series between the bitter rivals.
