DURHAM, N.H. — One power-play goal was all New Hampshire needed on Friday night. The Wildcats beat second-ranked Michigan State 1-0 at Whittemore Center Arena, handing the Spartans their first loss of the season in the opener of a two-game set.
Freshman goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen did everything he could to keep it scoreless, turning aside a season-high 33 shots, 25 of them over the first two periods. He made four saves while Michigan State killed two penalties in the first period.
The Spartans had chances. Sophomore Anthony Romani rang a one-timer off the post early in the second period, and senior Tommi Mannisto, who led the team with three shots, had a late attempt from the slot gloved down.
The breakthrough came nine minutes into the third. After a Michigan State cross-checking penalty at 7:13, freshman Émile Guité scored on the power play, with assists from Ryan Johnson and Nick Ring. Michigan State pulled Ravensbergen for an extra attacker at 17:56 but could not get the equalizer past Wildcats goalie Michael Simpson.
New Hampshire outshot the Spartans 34-14, blocked 12 shots and won 40 of 70 faceoffs. Cam MacDonald led the Wildcats with seven shots. Michigan State’s lone power play came up empty.
Spartans coach Adam Nightingale said in the team release that his group did not do enough to win and has to earn its results rather than expect them. Michigan State, now 3-1-0, closes the series at New Hampshire at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Wildcats improved to 3-1-1.
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