Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader scored one of the biggest goals in Michigan State hockey history in 2007.
In the 2007 NCAA national championship game, the Michigan State Spartans and Boston College Eagles were deadlocked with one minute remaining in regulation. It appeared the game would be destined to a golden goal overtime, however, with 18.9 seconds remaining that would all change.
Abdelkader, who had hit the crossbar just seconds earlier, directed a puck in front into the back of the net to secure the national title. The Spartans won the game 3-1 after scoring three unanswered goals in the third period.
This was the latest regulation game-winning goal in the title game in history. It also helped Abdelkader secure the MVP award for the Frozen Four. Additionally, he was named to the all-tournament team. He finished the competition with one goal and two assists in two games.
During that season with MSU, Abdelkader scored 15 goals and produced 18 assists in 38 appearances.
The Spartans had reached the Frozen Four that year after upsetting Boston University and Notre Dame in the Midwest region of the tournament. In their national semifinal game, they would slip past Maine 4-2 to reach the title game.
Abdelkader would spend just one more season with MSU following the national championship. In the 2008-09 season, he would begin his pro career with the Grand Rapids Griffins and make his National Hockey League debut for the Red Wings.
Next: Detroit Red Wings Prospects Update
Since signing with the Wings, Abdelkader has played a total of 544 games for the organization and has 195 points.
All-in-all, this moment is perhaps the best moment of Abdelkader’s career next to hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2008.