MSU hockey dominated by Ohio State in 5-1 loss

No. 1 Michigan State men's ice hockey team falls to Ohio State for second straight game

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The No. 1 Michigan State men's ice hockey team was defeated 5-1 by the Ohio State University on Friday, February 27. The Buckeyes dominated the Spartans in all facets of the game, outshooting MSU 39-23 and scoring four unanswered goals in the first period to take a commanding lead. MSU was unable to mount a comeback despite a goal from freshman Anthony Romani in the second period.

Why it matters

This loss marks the second straight defeat for the top-ranked Spartans against their Big Ten rival Ohio State, raising concerns about MSU's ability to bounce back and finish the regular season strong. The Spartans will have a chance to even the series in the second game on Saturday.

The details

Ohio State jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period, with goals from defenseman Bryce Ingles, forward Jake Karabela, and forward Max Montes. Montes added another power play goal in the second period to make it 4-0 Buckeyes before Romani scored for MSU. Karabela then scored his second goal of the game early in the third period to seal the 5-1 victory for Ohio State.

  • The game was played on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • The second game of the series is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 8 p.m.

The players

Adam Nightingale

Head coach of the Michigan State men's ice hockey team.

Trey Augustine

Junior goaltender for the Michigan State men's ice hockey team.

Bryce Ingles

Defenseman for the Ohio State men's ice hockey team.

Jake Karabela

Forward for the Ohio State men's ice hockey team.

Max Montes

Forward for the Ohio State men's ice hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“Give Ohio State credit, they were the better hockey team. They beat us in all facets tonight for sure. We got to be sharper and at the end of the day, that's my responsibility to make sure the guys are ready to go.”

— Adam Nightingale, Head coach, Michigan State men's ice hockey (msu.edu)

“(Ohio State) Very detailed in the D-Zone. They don't give up a lot off the rush. They always got three guys back.”

— Matt Basgall, Senior defenseman, Michigan State men's ice hockey (msu.edu)

“That's one of the tougher games we've definitely had. When things don't go your way, how you respond matters.”

— Adam Nightingale, Head coach, Michigan State men's ice hockey (msu.edu)

What’s next

The Spartans will have a chance to even the series against Ohio State on Saturday, February 28 at 8 p.m. at Munn Ice Arena. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.

The takeaway

This lopsided defeat against a conference rival raises concerns about Michigan State's ability to bounce back and finish the regular season strong. The Spartans will need to regroup and show a better effort in the second game of the series if they hope to regain momentum heading into the postseason.