Michigan State hockey: Massive weekend road series ahead for Spartans

Michigan State hockey will face another ranked rival this weekend as the Spartans head to South Bend to take on Notre Dame.

The No. 1 team in the Big Ten is back in action this weekend for a crucial series against a bitter rival. Yes, you read that correctly. Michigan State hockey, which is also No. 8 in the country, is the No. 1 team in the conference as the season is ramping up.

The Spartans travel to South Bend, Ind., to take on Notre Dame in a two-game series that will have massive Big Ten title implications. This series begins on Friday night with the second of two games the following day on Saturday. If the Spartans want to continue to push for a Big Ten title, it’s critical that they do well this weekend.

Big Ten standings

Before this weekend’s games, here is where the Big Ten standings currently sit.

1. Michigan State – 37 points
2. Wisconsin – 32 points
3. Minnesota – 26 points
4. Notre Dame – 24 points
5. Michigan – 19 points
6. Penn State – 17 points
7. Ohio State – 7 points

As you can see, it is down to a two-team race for the Big Ten title between the Spartans and Badgers. Wisconsin has played two fewer games so far this season and in hockey you earn three points for a win. So Wisconsin will take a one-point lead if they win those extra two games. Even though this is the case, Michigan State still controls its own destiny.

The Spartans’ final series of the season is a trip to Madison to take on the Badgers on the road. The Big Ten championship likely will come down to this final series, but the Spartans have to keep winning to have a chance.

Michigan State did beat Wisconsin twice this season already in East Lansing, but the Badgers are still ranked higher than MSU at No. 4 in the country. Most still predict Wisconsin to win the Big Ten, but I have faith the Spartans can get it done.

Before Michigan State can worry about Wisconsin, however, they need to handle their business in front of them. Notre Dame is No. 21 in the country, so beating the Irish will be no easy feat. The Badgers, on the other hand, face No. 9 Minnesota this weekend, so maybe the Gophers can help MSU out some as well.