EAST LANSING – Lake Superior State closed a two-game series at Munn Ice Arena against Michigan State with a series-split following a 2-0 loss on Saturday night. The Lakers (2-4-0) were outshot 30-21 in the series finale, a bounce-back effort for the Spartans

Nick Kossoff, coming off of a shutout in his collegiate debut, made 28 saves and looked up to the task in his second career start. Kossoff surrendered just the two goals, both coming near the end of the first-two periods. 

MSU countered with Jake Hildebrand in net for the second-consecutive evening of the series and his sixth-straight start to open the season. Hildebrand totaled 21 saves and closed the door to pick up the shutout.

The Spartans scored a late goal in the first period to open the scoring with 20 seconds remaining in the opening frame. J.T. Stenglein scored for the Spartans, his third of the season.

The Spartans took a one-goal lead into the game's first break despite trailing in shots 10-8.

MSU scored late in the second period also to claim a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes. Rhett Holland scored his first goal of the season for the Spartans' second goal. Stenglein and Joe Cox added assists on Holland's tally.

Neither team capitalized on power play opportunities, despite five chances for the Spartans and three for the Lakers.

The Lakers will return to Taffy Abel Arena next Friday and Saturday to host Alabama Huntsville for their first Western Collegiate Hockey Association series of the season. The eighth annual Pink in the Rink event will be held during Saturday's game.