Meyers, Lucius lead Gophers to 4-1 win at Michigan State

Ben Meyers and Chaz Lucius tallied three points each as the No. 9/11 Gopher men’s hockey team secured its sixth-straight win over Michigan State on Friday night, beating the Spartans 4-1 in the series opener at Munn Ice Arena.

Meyers scored twice for the Gophers including the game winner while also adding an assist. Lucius assisted on both of his linemate’s goals and scored Minnesota’s final goal of the night. Sammy Walker also scored for the Maroon & Gold while Matthew Knies added two assists.

Minnesota jumped out to a first period lead when Walker scored at 8:32 of the opening frame after coming out of the penalty box. Blake McLaughlin and Brock Faber picked up assist on the opening goal. Meyers and Lucius connected for the first time to extend the lead at 14:48 before Nash Nienhuis scored for Michigan State at 16:07.

Meyers added his second of the night at 16:44 of the second with assists from Knies and Lucius before the trio hooked again at 16:20 of the third on the score from Lucius.

Jack LaFontaine picked up the win for the Gophers to improve to 11-8-0 on the year. The goaltender made 24 saves on 25 shots. Drew DeRidder took the loss for the Spartans with 32 saves.

Minnesota held a 36-25 advantage on shots while both teams failed to score on four power-play chances.