BTN.com staff, February 8, 2015

Michael Downing and Justin Selman each recorded one goal and one assist, helping No. 14 Michigan defeat Michigan State, 4-1, on Saturday night in the Coyote Logistics Hockey City Classic at Soldier Field.

With the win, Michigan improved to 3-3-1 all-time in outdoor games in the modern era (dating back to the Oct. 6, 2001, "Cold War" game at Michigan), including a 2-1-1 record against the Spartans.

Downing gave U-M an early 1-0 lead, beating Jake Hildebrand between his legs on a shot from the point. Tony Calderone and Cristoval 'Boo' Nieves assisted on the play, which came just 1:43 into the game. The Wolverines had a man-up opportunity with less than eight minutes left in the first period, but they did not take advantage. The Spartans outshot Michigan, 11-10, in the opening frame.

Cutler Martin increased the Wolverine lead to 2-0 after firing in a wrist shot just in front of the blue line with 6:44 left in the second period, and it proved to be the game-winner. Just three minutes later, Andrew Copp knocked in a rebound in front of the net to put Michigan up 3-0 heading into the second intermission.

Goaltender Zach Nagelvoort finished the night with 31 saves, and as a team Michigan blocked 18 shots. U-M outshot the Spartans, 37-32, and neither team scored on three power-play chances each. Nieves had two assists on the night, extending his point streak to four games.

– MGoBlue.com