In dominating Michigan again – this time also on the scoreboard – MSU's hockey team sends a reminder that this season is not one to be messed with.

MSU didn’t allow Michigan to hang around Saturday in the annual Duel in the D at Little Caesars Arena. Two minutes after the Wolverines tied the game in the second period, sophomore forward Gavin O’Connell fired a laser of a shot into the top corner to put the Spartans back in front.

The home of the Detroit Red Wings transformed into the battleground for Michigan State University hockey and University of Michigan in a rivalry showdown that has lasted for decades.

The Spartans win the "Duel in the D" for the second straight season behind a six-goal outburst against Michigan.

Six different goal scorers propelled the Spartans to their first consecutive wins in the Duel in the D since 2016.

Michigan State hockey wins second straight Duel in the D

Michigan State University hockey doesn’t operate with a traditional first-through-fourth offensive line system. Instead, depth and skill come from all 12 forwards in unique ways.

Duel in the D saw the Wolverines attempt to sweep the series and claw back the Iron D trophy from their highly-ranked rival.

Michigan hockey lost a lot from last year’s team and has had its ups and downs, just above the cut line in the pairwise rankings for the NCAA Tournament. But the Wolverines took a big step toward the postseason with a win at No.

DETROIT -- Bringing home the “Iron D” Trophy for the second straight season, No. 2 Michigan State Spartans used a three-goal third period and 6-for-6 night on the penalty kill to take down No. 13 Michigan Wolverines, 6-1, in front of a sold-out crowd of 19,515 at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.