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Michigan Defeats Michigan State in Epic Hockey Showdown
No. 1 Wolverines rally from 3-1 deficit to beat No. 2 Spartans 4-3 in overtime
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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The top-ranked Michigan Wolverines hockey team defeated the second-ranked Michigan State Spartans 4-3 in overtime on Friday night at Yost Ice Arena. After trailing 3-1 in the third period, Michigan scored two unanswered goals, including a shorthanded tally, to force overtime. Jayden Perron then netted the game-winning goal 3:10 into the extra session to secure the victory for the Wolverines.
Why it matters
This was a highly anticipated matchup between the two top-ranked college hockey teams in the state of Michigan. The Wolverines and Spartans are fierce rivals, and this game had major implications for the Big Ten regular season title race, with Michigan currently in first place and Michigan State close behind.
The details
Michigan cut the Spartan lead to 3-2 midway through the third period when Asher Barnett scored. Shortly after, Michigan State went on the power play, but the Wolverines scored a shorthanded goal from Kienan Draper to tie the game at 3-3 and force overtime. In the extra session, Jayden Perron one-timed the game-winning goal 3:10 into overtime to give Michigan the dramatic victory.
- The game was played on Friday, February 7, 2026 at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
- Michigan and Michigan State will face off again on Saturday, February 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. EST at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
The players
Michigan Wolverines
The No. 1 ranked college hockey team in the country, currently leading the Big Ten standings with 38 points.
Michigan State Spartans
The No. 2 ranked college hockey team in the country, sitting in second place in the Big Ten with 36 points.
Asher Barnett
A Michigan player who scored a goal in the third period to cut the Spartan lead to 3-2.
Kienan Draper
A Michigan player who scored a shorthanded goal in the third period to tie the game at 3-3 and force overtime.
Jayden Perron
The Michigan player who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to secure the victory for the Wolverines.
What’s next
The two teams will face off again on Saturday, February 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. EST at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. This will be the final regular season matchup between Michigan and Michigan State, with the winner claiming the season series.
The takeaway
This thrilling victory over their in-state rival keeps the Wolverines in first place in the Big Ten standings and solidifies their status as one of the top college hockey teams in the country. The epic comeback and overtime win will only add to the storied history of this intense Michigan-Michigan State rivalry.
