After a week off to reset, No. 4 ranked Michigan State hockey (5-1-0) is back. The Spartans will open Big Ten play this weekend as they take on the No. 13 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0-1) at home.
The regular season championship defense truly begins now as they competition and the stakes hit another level between these two Big Ten rivals.
Matchup history
The Buckeyes and the Spartans have a very long history with each other in hockey. Before joining the Big Ten, both schools were a part of the CCHA. The upcoming weekend series will be the 160th and 161st all-time meetings between these schools. The Buckeyes have struggled against the Spartans historically with a record of 51-95-13 against MSU.
The most recent history with these two teams has been relatively even. In the past 10 games, the Spartans have a slight edge with a record of 6-4. These two teams last met in the Big Ten Tournament last season when the Spartans ended their season. That game ended in a 2-1 Spartan victory off of goals from Daniel Russell and Nash Nienhuis. The series this season looks to raise the bar as both teams have started very well this season.
Ohio State hockey overview
The Buckeyes have been one of the biggest surprises in college hockey this season. After finishing last in the Big Ten last season with a record of 14-20-4, the Buckeyes have started hot. They have begun the season 7-0-1 for one of their best starts in program history. The change comes from 15 new faces for the program. The new additions include eight freshmen and seven transfers.
The biggest additions so far look to be transfer forward Riley Thompson (3-7-10) and defenseman Damien Carfagna (3-6-9). These two transfers have been very involved with the dramatic increase in the offense. It’ss also worth noting where they get their shots. The Spartan defense will need to keep the puck on the edges of the ice.
The Buckeyes thrive on picking their spots from the slot. If the slot can be locked up, the team will be better off for it.
This goalie battle should be an interesting matchup as well with Kristoffer Eberly and Logan Terness both having save percentages above .900. Whoever is chosen to go against Trey Augustine will likely rise to the occasion and force the defense to get more involved on the offensive side of the puck. With all of this depth it will provide a great challenge for the Spartans.
“Their depth is important,” Nightingale said. “If you’re a one-line team in this conference, it can be challenging. Ohio State has the depth to compete with anyone.”
It will be crucial for Michigan State hockey to rely on its own depth if it’s going to win this important series this weekend.
Michigan State hockey overview
This weekend will be one of the biggest challenges that the Spartans have faced so far. The thing that helps the Spartans out though is that they are coming off of a bye week that allowed the team to rest up. Adam Nightingale says the team will be prepared for this matchup though.
“There are no nights off in our conference,” Nightingale said. “Every team has a legit chance of winning, and that’s what makes the Big Ten so special. We want to see everyone’s best and we want to play against the best.”
Look to see the Spartan offense continue to generate offense this weekend. Despite the Buckeyes having two very capable goaltenders, the Spartans are averaging three goals per game. That is tied for 24th in the NCAA. Isaac Howard also will likely look to get involved on the score sheet in a meaningful way. He has been generating a lot of chances with his play and continues to lead the team in points with eight (4-4-8).
Spartan fans will also get a good test for Trey Augustine this weekend. The Buckeyes are currently the second-best team in the Big Ten when it comes to average goals per game at four. Last weekend against Lake Superior State, the Buckeyes averaged 40 shots in two games.
Between the defense needing to play tight and Augustine needing to stay sharp, this should be a great matchup.
Where to watch/listen
If you are not able to make it to Munn this weekend, there are still a few ways to catch Michigan State hockey in action. The game on Friday will start at 7 p.m. ET while the Saturday game will begin at 6 p.m. ET.
Both games will be available to stream on BTN+ as well as available to listen to on the Spartan Media Network.
BASKETBALL4 days ago
BASKETBALL4 days ago
