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NCAA: Notre Dame (3) vs Michigan State (2) | 24 Player’s Impact Analyzed

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Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Notre Dame's Leo Gruba while playing for the Fargo Force (Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images).

Neutral Zone Analytical Methodology

Neutral Zone Game Impact Grades are determined using complete 200-foot InStat tracking metrics. Read our full InStat Analytics Guide & Metric Breakdown to understand how we evaluate game impact by highlighting contributions that directly lead to team success even when a player doesn’t appear on the scoresheet. Grades evaluate individual shot-quality generation (xGF), Net Expected Goals impact (Net xG), territorial possession (Corsi%), high-danger slot control, passing precision, defensive-zone turnover differentials, transition execution, and battle success rates.

INSTAT GAME IMPACT REPORT: Notre Dame Stuns Michigan State 3-2 Behind High-Danger Slot Efficiency & Defensive-Zone Structure

Game Date: November 12, 2026

Matchup: Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3) vs. Michigan State Spartans (2)

Analytics Source: InStat Tracking Data (Standardized Game Rates)

1. Executive Summary & Macro Game Differential

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish executed a disciplined road game plan to secure a 3-2 upset victory over the Michigan State Spartans in Big Ten regular-season play. Under Neutral Zone’s expanded 24-player analytical framework, Notre Dame absorbed sustained territorial pressure by boxing out the inner slot, winning 50/50 board battles along the perimeter, and converting high-danger scoring chances with clinical precision. Forward Sammy Nelson led the Fighting Irish with a multi-goal outing (2G, 3 inner-slot attempts, +0.27 Net xG), supported by Pano Fimis’s inner-slot winner (1G, 67% FO%), playmaking assists from defensemen Paul Fischer (1A, 9 DZ takeaways) and Henry Nelson (1A, +0.34 Net xG), and heavy defensive-zone suppression from Leo Gruba (+0.15 Net xG, 75% battle win rate, 15 DZ takeaways). Michigan State dominated overall shot attempt share behind winger Shane Vansaghi’s two goals (2G), multi-assist outings from Eric Nilson (2A, 100% pass accuracy, +0.45 Net xG) and Jack Hextall (2A, 95% pass accuracy), and strong blueline metrics from Sean Barnhill (+0.88 Net xG, 11 DZ takeaways) and Patrick Geary (+0.49 Net xG, 69% battle win rate), but Notre Dame’s net-front resilience preserved the one-goal victory.

  • Final Score: Notre Dame Fighting Irish 3, Michigan State Spartans 2
  • Total Net Expected Goals Differential: Michigan State +7.79 Net xG Edge (Key Factor: Dominant territorial possession and shot volume for Michigan State vs. clinical slot finishing by Notre Dame)
  • Inner Slot Shots: Notre Dame 9 • Michigan State 7 (Edge: Notre Dame +2)
  • Team Corsi (CF / CA): Michigan State 221 / 145 (60.4%) • Notre Dame 145 / 221 (39.6%) (Edge: Michigan State)
  • Puck Battle Win %: Notre Dame 50.8% • Michigan State 49.2% (Edge: Notre Dame)
  • Defensive Zone Turnovers: Notre Dame 14 • Michigan State 9 (Key Factor: Notre Dame absorbed heavy forechecking pressure without yielding inner-slot goals)

2. 200-Foot Metric Leaders Snapshot

Analytical CategoryGame LeaderTeamMetric Output
Net Expected Goals (Net xG)Sean BarnhillMichigan State Spartans+0.88 Net xG (1.29 xGF / 0.41 xGA)
Controlled Zone EntriesAnthony RomaniMichigan State Spartans10 Controlled Entries (100% of 10 total)
Controlled BreakoutsTommy BleylMichigan State Spartans8 Controlled Breakouts (100% of 8 total)
Defensive-Zone TakeawaysLeo GrubaNotre Dame Fighting Irish15 DZ Takeaways (vs. 2 DZ Losses)
Puck Control Time (PCT)Chase ReidMichigan State Spartans00:38 (20:54 TOI)
Puck Battle Win % (Min. 10 TOI)Leo Gruba / Cullen PotterNotre Dame / Michigan State75.0% (21:00 TOI / 16:54 TOI)

3. NHL Draft / NCAA Prospect Projection Spotlight

  • Leo Gruba (D, Notre Dame Fighting Irish): Anchored Notre Dame’s defensive zone across 21:00 TOI, winning 75% of his physical board battles, recording a game-high 15 defensive-zone takeaways, and posting an 88% pass completion rate (21/24). His heavy net-front presence and ability to end cycles cleanly translate directly to pro shutdown blueline roles.
  • Sammy Nelson (F, Notre Dame Fighting Irish): Demonstrated legitimate pro scoring instincts by generating 6 total slot attempts (3 inner-slot, 3 outer-slot; 0.13 xGPS) and converting twice (2G) while executing 8 controlled zone entries across 17:55 TOI (+0.27 Net xG).
  • Patrick Geary (D, Michigan State Spartans): Delivered an institutional-grade two-way blueline performance, winning 69% of his physical battles, completing 88% of his passes (21/24), executing 7 controlled breakouts without a single dump-out, and recording 11 DZ takeaways without a loss (+0.49 Net xG).

4. Player-by-Player Game Impact Breakdowns & Grades

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12 Skaters)

  • Leo Gruba Game Grade: A+
    • Statline: TOI 21:00 (PP 00:50 / SH 00:56) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:29 • Shots: 3 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.01 • Corsi: 43.0% (-7 CF / 27 CA) • Net xG: +0.15 • Pass Acc: 88% (21/24) • Battle Win: 75% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 15/2 • ODIR: 2 • Breakouts/Entries: 4/1 (4 Ctrl BR / 1 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Gruba was Notre Dame’s anchor, dominating physical engagements with an excellent 75% battle win rate, recording a game-high 15 DZ takeaways, completing 21 of 24 passes (88%), and finishing with a positive +0.15 Net xG rating against Michigan State’s top lines.
  • Sammy Nelson Game Grade: A
    • Statline: TOI 17:55 (PP 00:47 / SH 00:33) • 2G, 0A, 2PTS • PCT: 00:27 • Shots: 8 (Inner Slot: 3) • xGPS: 0.13 • Corsi: 41.0% (-7 CF / 23 CA) • Net xG: +0.27 • Pass Acc: 75% (15/20) • Battle Win: 47% • FO: 3/6 (50%) • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 2/0 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 5/8 (5 Ctrl BR / 8 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Sammy Nelson powered Notre Dame’s offense with two goals on 8 total shots (3 inner-slot, 0.13 xGPS), carried 8 controlled zone entries, executed 5 controlled breakouts, and recorded 0 DZ turnovers (+0.27 Net xG), though 75% pass accuracy and acceptable 47% board play kept him from an A+.
  • Pano Fimis Game Grade: A-
    • Statline: TOI 15:52 (PP 00:17 / SH 00:39) • 1G, 0A, 1PT • PCT: 00:14 • Shots: 4 (Inner Slot: 1) • xGPS: 0.06 • Corsi: 52.0% (1 CF / 15 CA) • Net xG: +0.17 • Pass Acc: 81% (17/21) • Battle Win: 33% • FO: 10/15 (67%) • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 1/0 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 4/1 (4 Ctrl BR / 1 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Converted his inner-slot opportunity for the game-winning goal, dominated the faceoff dot at 67% (10/15), executed 4 controlled breakouts without a DZ turnover, and drove a positive Corsi share (+0.17 Net xG), though an unacceptable 33% battle win rate weighed down his score.
  • Paul Fischer Game Grade: B+
    • Statline: TOI 24:08 (PP 01:09 / SH 01:04) • 0G, 1A, 1PT • PCT: 00:27 • Shots: 5 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.02 • Corsi: 41.0% (-7 CF / 24 CA) • Net xG: -0.56 • Pass Acc: 85% (23/27) • Battle Win: 56% • PEA: 1 • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 9/2 • ODIR: 2 • Breakouts/Entries: 7/2 (7 Ctrl BR / 1 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Logged a team-high 24:08 TOI, dished out an assist, won an expected 56% of his physical battles, executed 7 controlled breakouts, drew a penalty, and recorded 9 DZ takeaways, though surrendered slot chances against (-0.56 Net xG).
  • Henry Nelson Game Grade: B+
    • Statline: TOI 22:01 (PP 00:00 / SH 00:00) • 0G, 1A, 1PT • PCT: 00:16 • Shots: 2 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.02 • Corsi: 41.0% (-11 CF / 35 CA) • Net xG: +0.34 (Team Leader) • Pass Acc: 87% (13/15) • Battle Win: 29% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 7/1 • ODIR: 1 • Breakouts/Entries: 6/3 (6 Ctrl BR / 3 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Led all Fighting Irish skaters with a +0.34 Net xG differential, registered a primary assist, completed 87% of his passes (13/15), executed 6 controlled breakouts, and recorded 7 DZ takeaways, though an unacceptable 29% battle win rate held him back from an A grade.
  • Brennan Ali Game Grade: B
    • Statline: TOI 17:08 (PP 00:17 / SH 00:00) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:09 • Shots: 2 (Inner Slot: 1) • xGPS: 0.20 • Corsi: 34.0% (-12 CF / 25 CA) • Net xG: +0.21 • Pass Acc: 90% (9/10) • Battle Win: 56% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 1/0 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 1/4 (1 Ctrl BR / 3 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Generated a high-danger inner-slot shot attempt (0.20 xGPS), completed 9 of 10 passes (90%), won an expected 56% of his battles, and drove a +0.21 Net xG rating without a DZ turnover.
  • Hagen Burrows Game Grade: B-
    • Statline: TOI 16:17 (PP 01:13 / SH 00:00) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:16 • Shots: 2 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.06 • Corsi: 44.0% (-4 CF / 19 CA) • Net xG: -0.21 • Pass Acc: 88% (14/16) • Battle Win: 62% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 4/1 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 3/3 (2 Ctrl BR / 3 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Won an excellent 62% of his physical board battles, connected on 14 of 16 passes (88%), carried 3 controlled entries, and recorded 4 DZ takeaways.
  • Jimmy Jurcev Game Grade: B
    • Statline: TOI 13:30 (PP 00:00 / SH 00:53) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:08 • Shots: 1 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.03 • Corsi: 39.0% (-7 CF / 20 CA) • Net xG: -0.15 • Pass Acc: 100% (6/6) • Battle Win: 55% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 5/0 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 1/0 (1 Ctrl BR / 0 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Passing precision (100%, 6/6), won an expected 55% of his battles, and recorded 5 DZ takeaways without a single puck loss in third-pair and PK deployment.
  • Danny Nelson Game Grade: C+
    • Statline: TOI 20:02 (PP 00:47 / SH 01:04) • 0G, 1A, 1PT • PCT: 00:10 • Shots: 0 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.00 • Corsi: 37.0% (-11 CF / 27 CA) • Net xG: +0.04 • Pass Acc: 69% (9/13) • Battle Win: 50% • FO: 7/17 (41%) • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 2/0 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 4/2 (4 Ctrl BR / 2 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Dished out a primary assist, executed 4 controlled breakouts, and posted a +0.04 Net xG rating without a DZ turnover, but was penalized for poor puck management (69% pass accuracy) and 0 shot attempts.
  • Jaedon Kerr Game Grade: C
    • Statline: TOI 21:44 (PP 00:00 / SH 01:04) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:20 • Shots: 4 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.01 • Corsi: 31.0% (-14 CF / 25 CA) • Net xG: -0.86 • Pass Acc: 95% (18/19) • Battle Win: 46% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 9/1 • ODIR: 3 • Breakouts/Entries: 6/2 (6 Ctrl BR / 1 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Achieved A-quality passing precision (95%, 18/19), executed 6 controlled breakouts, retrieved 3 opponent dump-ins, and recorded 9 DZ takeaways, though surrendered heavy slot chances against (-0.86 Net xG) with acceptable 46% board play.
  • Carter Slaggert Game Grade: C
    • Statline: TOI 14:57 (PP 00:00 / SH 00:32) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:22 • Shots: 5 (Inner Slot: 1) • xGPS: 0.06 • Corsi: 45.0% (-3 CF / 17 CA) • Net xG: -0.27 • Pass Acc: 78% (7/9) • Battle Win: 33% • PEA: 1 • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 1/1 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 3/4 (3 Ctrl BR / 4 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Generated 5 shot attempts (1 inner-slot), carried 4 controlled entries, and drew a penalty, but 78% pass accuracy and an unacceptable 33% battle win rate weighed down his score.
  • Evan Werner Game Grade: C-
    • Statline: TOI 13:46 (PP 01:43 / SH 00:00) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:23 • Shots: 5 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.05 • Corsi: 37.0% (-8 CF / 19 CA) • Net xG: -0.53 • Pass Acc: 78% (7/9) • Battle Win: 50% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 2/1 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 4/4 (4 Ctrl BR / 4 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Fired 5 perimeter shots and executed 4 controlled entries and 4 controlled breakouts, but 78% pass accuracy flagged forced passes into coverage alongside a -0.53 Net xG differential.

Michigan State Spartans (12 Skaters)

  • Patrick Geary Game Grade: A+
    • Statline: TOI 20:17 (PP 00:00 / SH 00:30) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:18 • Shots: 2 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.01 • Corsi: 57.0% (6 CF / 18 CA) • Net xG: +0.49 • Pass Acc: 88% (21/24) • Battle Win: 69% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 11/0 • ODIR: 2 • Breakouts/Entries: 7/4 (7 Ctrl BR / 3 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Geary was Michigan State’s top 200-foot defenseman, winning an excellent 69% of his physical board battles, completing 21 of 24 passes (88%), executing 7 controlled breakouts, and recording 11 DZ takeaways without a single puck loss (+0.49 Net xG).
  • Eric Nilson Game Grade: A
    • Statline: TOI 16:33 (PP 01:12 / SH 00:30) • 0G, 2A, 2PTS • PCT: 00:09 • Shots: 3 (Inner Slot: 1) • xGPS: 0.08 • Corsi: 63.0% (8 CF / 11 CA) • Net xG: +0.45 • Pass Acc: 100% (13/13) • Battle Win: 45% • FO: 7/13 (54%) • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 2/1 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 2/2 (2 Ctrl BR / 2 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Factored into both Spartan goals (2 assists), posted A-quality passing precision (100%, 13/13), won 54% of his draws (7/13), generated an inner-slot look, and drove a +0.45 Net xG rating, though his 45% battle win rate sits at the lower threshold of acceptable.
  • Chase Reid Game Grade: A
    • Statline: TOI 20:54 (PP 00:48 / SH 01:13) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:38 • Shots: 5 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.02 • Corsi: 59.0% (8 CF / 19 CA) • Net xG: +0.02 • Pass Acc: 96% (25/26) • Battle Win: 50% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 8/0 • ODIR: 1 • Breakouts/Entries: 6/6 (6 Ctrl BR / 5 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Achieved A-quality passing accuracy (96%, 25/26), led all skaters in puck control time (00:38), executed 6 controlled breakouts and 5 controlled entries, and recorded 8 DZ takeaways without a loss, though acceptable 50% board play kept him from an A+.
  • Brady Peddle Game Grade: A-
    • Statline: TOI 19:05 (PP 00:00 / SH 01:13) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:18 • Shots: 2 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.01 • Corsi: 55.0% (4 CF / 18 CA) • Net xG: +0.09 • Pass Acc: 100% (19/19) • Battle Win: 67% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 6/0 • ODIR: 2 • Breakouts/Entries: 1/1 (1 Ctrl BR / 1 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Passing precision (100%, 19/19), won an excellent 67% of his physical battles, retrieved 2 opponent dump-ins, and recorded 6 DZ takeaways without a turnover (+0.09 Net xG).
  • Cullen Potter Game Grade: B+
    • Statline: TOI 16:54 (PP 00:43 / SH 00:17) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:21 • Shots: 5 (Inner Slot: 1) • xGPS: 0.07 • Corsi: 59.0% (7 CF / 17 CA) • Net xG: +0.15 • Pass Acc: 83% (15/18) • Battle Win: 75% • PEA: 1 • FO: 5/14 (36%) • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 1/1 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 2/6 (2 Ctrl BR / 6 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Dominated physical engagements with an excellent 75% battle win rate, generated 5 shots (1 inner-slot), carried 6 controlled entries, and drew a penalty (+0.15 Net xG), though C-quality passing (83%) tempered his score.
  • Tommy Bleyl Game Grade: B+
    • Statline: TOI 21:52 (PP 01:12 / SH 00:00) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:29 • Shots: 4 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.03 • Corsi: 53.0% (3 CF / 20 CA) • Net xG: +0.17 • Pass Acc: 86% (24/28) • Battle Win: 56% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 12/1 • ODIR: 4 • Breakouts/Entries: 8/8 (8 Ctrl BR / 8 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Logged a team-high 21:52 TOI, executed 8 controlled breakouts and 8 controlled entries, won an expected 56% of his battles, retrieved 4 dump-ins, and recorded 12 DZ takeaways (+0.17 Net xG).
  • Anthony Romani Game Grade: B+
    • Statline: TOI 17:27 (PP 00:48 / SH 00:17) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:26 • Shots: 7 (Inner Slot: 2) • xGPS: 0.07 • Corsi: 56.0% (5 CF / 19 CA) • Net xG: +0.07 • Pass Acc: 100% (16/16) • Battle Win: 50% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 3/0 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 5/10 (5 Ctrl BR / 10 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: A-quality passing accuracy (100%, 16/16), led all skaters with 10 controlled zone entries, fired 7 shots (2 inner-slot), and recorded 3 DZ takeaways without a loss, though acceptable 50% board play kept him from a higher grade.
  • Ethan Belchetz Game Grade: B
    • Statline: TOI 17:31 (PP 01:12 / SH 00:00) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:14 • Shots: 6 (Inner Slot: 1) • xGPS: 0.08 • Corsi: 60.0% (9 CF / 17 CA) • Net xG: +0.54 • Pass Acc: 89% (17/19) • Battle Win: 53% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 0/1 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 2/1 (2 Ctrl BR / 1 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Generated 6 shot attempts (1 inner-slot), completed 17 of 19 passes (89%), achieved an acceptable 53% battle win rate, and drove a +0.54 Net xG differential.
  • Sean Barnhill Game Grade: B-
    • Statline: TOI 16:18 (PP 00:00 / SH 00:47) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:16 • Shots: 6 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.01 • Corsi: 76.0% (19 CF / 9 CA) • Net xG: +0.88 (Game Leader) • Pass Acc: 82% (18/22) • Battle Win: 27% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 11/3 • ODIR: 4 • Breakouts/Entries: 5/3 (5 Ctrl BR / 3 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Led all skaters with a +0.88 Net xG rating and a 76% Corsi share while recording 11 DZ takeaways and 4 dump-in retrievals, but an unacceptable 27% battle win rate and 3 DZ turnovers penalized his grade.
  • Jack Hextall Game Grade: B-
    • Statline: TOI 13:36 (PP 01:12 / SH 00:00) • 0G, 2A, 2PTS • PCT: 00:20 • Shots: 3 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.03 • Corsi: 57.0% (3 CF / 10 CA) • Net xG: +0.21 • Pass Acc: 95% (18/19) • Battle Win: 25% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 5/0 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 7/2 (7 Ctrl BR / 2 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Multi-assist playmaker (2A) who posted A-quality passing precision (95%, 18/19), executed 7 controlled breakouts, and recorded 5 DZ takeaways without a loss (+0.21 Net xG), though an unacceptable 25% battle win rate held back his mark.
  • Shane Vansaghi Game Grade: C+
    • Statline: TOI 14:47 (PP 00:00 / SH 00:00) • 2G, 0A, 2PTS • PCT: 00:23 • Shots: 8 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.06 • Corsi: 57.0% (5 CF / 16 CA) • Net xG: +0.13 • Pass Acc: 71% (10/14) • Battle Win: 41% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 1/0 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 0/7 (0 Ctrl BR / 6 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Scored both Michigan State goals (2G) on 8 outer-slot attempts and carried 6 controlled entries (+0.13 Net xG), but poor puck management (71% pass accuracy) and an unacceptable 41% battle win rate weighed down his overall grade.
  • Ryker Lee Game Grade: C
    • Statline: TOI 16:19 (PP 01:17 / SH 00:00) • 0G, 0A, 0PTS • PCT: 00:31 • Shots: 4 (Inner Slot: 0) • xGPS: 0.05 • Corsi: 74.0% (13 CF / 7 CA) • Net xG: +0.46 • Pass Acc: 89% (16/18) • Battle Win: 38% • DZ Takeaways/Losses: 0/1 • ODIR: 0 • Breakouts/Entries: 3/8 (3 Ctrl BR / 7 Ctrl EN)
    • Impact Note: Carried 7 controlled entries, completed 89% of his passes (16/18), and drove a +0.46 Net xG rating, but an unacceptable 38% battle win rate and 0 DZ takeaways kept his grade down.

5. Key Tactical Takeaways

  1. High-Danger Finishing Over Attempt Volume: Although Michigan State controlled 60.4% of total shot attempts (221 to 145 Corsi differential), Notre Dame generated more inner-slot looks (9 to 7) and converted with clinical efficiency behind Sammy Nelson (2G) and Pano Fimis (1G).
  2. Defensive-Zone Box-Out & Perimeter Containment: Led by Leo Gruba (75% battle win rate, 15 DZ takeaways) and Jaedon Kerr (95% pass accuracy, 9 DZ takeaways), the Fighting Irish blueline successfully forced Michigan State’s high-volume shooters to fire from low-percentage perimeter angles.
  3. Faceoff Control & Third-Period Composure: Pano Fimis’s 67% faceoff efficiency (10/15) gave Notre Dame crucial possession down the stretch, neutralizing Michigan State’s late push to preserve the 3-2 upset victory.

Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

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