NEW YORK — A game at the world's most famous arena didn't exactly produce a contest worthy of the venue. Just 3,883 people watched Minnesota defeat Michigan State, 2-1, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, though players and coaches throughout both teams said they enjoyed the experience, win or lose.
Brent Gates Jr. scored at 16:31 of the third period to break a 1-1 tie and carry the Golden Gophers to the win. Freshman star Casey Mittelstadt assisted on the game-winner — his second point of the ngiht after scoring his seventh goal of the season to open the scoring at 11:23 of the first period.