The Michigan State Spartans are headed to the championship game of the 2011 Great Lakes Invitational after downing Michigan Tech by a score of 3-1 in the first game of the tournament. The Spartans were dominated on the stat sheet by the Huskies, being outshot 46-26, but Michigan State got a great game out of goalie Drew Palmisano, who made 45 saves in the victory.
Michigan State opened the scoring in this game in the first period when Greg Wolfe scored on Michigan Tech goalie Josh Robinson. Matt Crandell and Tim Buttery picked up assists on the goal, which came on a power play. The Spartans scored again in the second period on an even strength goal netted by Chris Forfar and assisted by Trevor Nill and Anthony Hayes.
Michigan Tech cut the lead to one goal with a score by Ryan Furne in the third period. The Huskies were unable to tie the game, though. Brett Perlini iced it for MSU with an empty-netter in the final seconds, giving the Spartans a 3-1 victory.
On Friday, Michigan State will face the winner of the Michigan/Boston College game that is currently being played. The Huskies will take on the loser of that matchup in the third-place game.