Detroit Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine’s reason for delaying his arrival in professional hockey was validated last weekend by the Michigan State sweep over Boston University.

The two wins persuaded pollsters to move Augustine’s Spartans into the No. 1 spot in both the USCHO and USA Hockey polls.  The top three schools in the USCHO poll are from the state of Michigan (MSU, Western Michigan and Michigan).

Augustine told the Red Wings that he wanted to stay for his junior season at Michigan State because he had unfinished business there. He wanted to help the Spartans win a national championship. South Lyon native Augustine posted 31 saves Saturday in MSU’s 4-3 overtime win against BU. On Friday, he made 18 saves in a 4-2 triumph.

After four games, Augustine is 3-1 with a 2.22 goals-against average and .903 save percentage.

If Augustine doesn’t sign with Detroit after this season, he could become a UFA in the summer after his senior season.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

The NHL scoring statistics show Dylan Larkin in fourth place with 11 points in six games.

Paywall story: Todd McLellan showing what a difference a real coach makes. To subscribe to a DHN+ story, click here:

Patrick Kane will miss at least the next two games with an undisclosed injury

Red Wings Extra

Grand Rapids Griffins wing Carter Mazur is fifth in the American Hockey League scoring race with four goals and two assists for six points. Goalie Michal Postava is second among AHL rookies with a .939 save percentage. Amadeus Lombardi had four assists in the Griffins’ 4-0 start, while defenseman William Wallinder boasts three assists with a plus-3 plus-minus.

Hockey Now Network

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Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang make history in 5-1 Penguins’ victory over Vancouver. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Michael Misa registers first NHL point in Sharks’ sixth consecutive loss. San Jose Sharks.