Skip to main content
Michigan State

Michigan State handles No. 1 Boston University, 4-2

On3 imageby: Jim Comparoni10/18/25JimComparoni
lindstrom 1200
Freshman Cayden Lindstrom scored the first goal of his college hockey career during Michigan State's 4-2 victory over No. 1 Boston University, Friday night. | Photo courtesy @MSU_Hockey

Michigan State head coach Adam Nightingale had been looking forward to the Spartans’ early-season tilt at Boston University for quite a while, maybe an entire off-season if truth be known. After Friday night’s sound 4-2 victory at No. 1 ranked Boston University, on ESPN2 national television, Nightingale had to be satisfied with the results. But he wants more on Saturday. 

The No. 3-ranked Spartans jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the opening period and controlled play throughout. The Spartans will seek a weekend sweep and a significant early-season statement when the two teams meet again at 7 p.m. on Saturday (ESPN+) at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. 

“We knew this was going to be a really good test for our group,” Nightingale said. “I thought we were on our toes. You always want to start well but that doesn’t always mean scoring, but tonight that was the case.

“I thought we played pretty consistent throughout the game. It was a good start to the weekend and we’re looking forward to tomorrow.”

Michigan State improved to 2-1. Boston University, which played in the National Championship Game last year, fell to 2-1-1. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE 

Senior center Charlie Stramel (6-3, 215, Rosemount, Minn.), freshman center Eric Nilson (6-0, 170, Balsta, Uppsala, Sweden), freshman center Cayden Lindstrom (6-3, 200, Chetwynd, British Columbia) and sophomore right wing Shane Vansaghi (6-2, 215, St. Louis, Mo.) scored for the Spartans. 

Senior defenseman Matt Basgall (5-10, 185, Lake Forest, Ill.) and junior left wing Gavin O’Connell (6-0, 195, Plymouth, Minn.) each notched two assists. 

Junior goalie Trey Augustine (6-1, 194, South Lyon, Mich.) made 18 saves as Michigan State outshot the Terriers 34-20. 

TURNING POINT

Michigan State faced a 5-on-4, five-minute power play at the 6:08 mark of the first period after freshman right wing Austin Baker received a game misconduct for a cross checking major penalty.

Michigan State killed the five-minute penalty and got a short-handed goal along the way from Nilson. That gave Michigan State a 2-0 lead at 7:30 of the first period. 

Nilson forced a turnover with a strip at the Boston University blue line on the penalty kill forecheck, went in alone, and finished in the top right corner. 

“The shorty created a little bit of momentum,” Nightingale said. “You’re staring at killing a five-minute major, with a lot of talent and a really effective power play. 

“I thought our guys did a good job on the forecheck,” Nightingale said. “You’ve got really good players coming at you, and a good scheme. I thought that when we had opportunities to clear the puck, we were able to clear it. 

“If you want to be a good penalty kill, you have to win face offs. You’ve got to be good on the forecheck and you have to clear pucks. Once you get outside of that, they have an extra guy out there and it can be pretty tough, and then your best penalty killer has to be your goalie and I thought Trey was. Trey made some saves for us. 

“So I thought the start was good.”

Michigan State extended the lead to 4-1 on VanSaghi’s goal, 1:57 into the third period. Boston University closed the lead to 4-2 with a late power play goal by Ryder Ritchie, but lost control of the game in the first period and never put forth a serious flurry after that.

You may also like