EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Linemates Justin Abdelkader and Tim Kennedy scored 18 seconds apart early in the third period to help Michigan State beat top-ranked Michigan 5-2 and tighten the league race on Friday night.
Jeff Petry and Tim Crowder scored near the start and the end of the first period in Munn Arena, and goalie Jeff Lerg did the rest, stopping 31 shots for the Spartans (17-5-3 CCHA, 21-8-5).
The Wolverines (18-3-4, 25-4-4) controlled play in the first two periods, outshooting Michigan State 27-9. Their only goal in that span was a blast from the slot by Max Pacioretty on a power play.
Michigan goalie Billy Sauer faced just three shots in the first period and failed to stop two of them. His saves percentage improved but the scoreboard didn't.
After Ben Winnett jammed home a rebound for the Wolverines to make it 4-2 with 8:15 left, Michigan immediately drew a penalty and soon faced a two-man disadvantage. Before the second penalty elapsed, the Spartans added an insurance goal by Brian Lerg.
Michigan State has two wins and a tie in three tries against the Wolverines this season. The rivals meet again Saturday night at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena as the Spartans and Miami (Ohio), which also has 37 points, will try to draw within one point of Michigan with one weekend left in the regular season.