REACTION: No. 2 Michigan State cranks up the defense, beats No. 11 Ohio State, 4-1

JimComparoni

hockey vs OSU — Tanner Kelly, middle, celebrates after scoring to give Michigan State a 1-0 lead during Friday night's 4-1 victory over Ohio State at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

A tough road trip against a tough Big Ten opponent brought some toughness out in Michigan State on Friday night. The No. 2-ranked Spartans beat No. 11 Ohio State, 4-1, bouncing back from a loss on Friday night and gaining three important points in the Big Ten standings. It’s easy and natural for the Spartans to get charged up for their previous two weekend series against Michigan and Minnesota. But the Buckeyes were aiming for the highly-ranked Spartans on Thursday night, blocked 25 shots and paid the price to acquire an upset victory. In the return match on Friday night, Michigan State tightened the screws and came away with a workmanlike victory which was spiced up with some high-skill opportunism along the way. INSIDE: Quotes from coach Adam Nightingale and further analysis.