MSU hockey has a home and home this weekend with the despised team from down the road. A sweep this weekend would almost guarantee a vault over Wisconsin and a take back of number one in the rankings. The Spartans got back on the right track over Thanksgiving by sweeping Colgate at home while the weasels took care of Harvard. Here are a few keys the Spartans need to take the weekend.
The weasels can score. They have are averaging 5.1 goals a game compared to MSU’s 3.6. They have 3 players in Will Horcoff, Michael Hage and T.J. Hughes who are tied for the lead in points this season with 26. Horcoff leads the nation in goals at 18. Now um’s goal average is definitely inflated due to a 10 goal game against Robert Morris and a 7 goal game against Mercyhurst. They have have had trouble against better teams this season. Western and Wisconsin both gave them some trouble. The weasels have also not faced a team with the caliber of talent in all aspects of the game as MSU. If MSU plays smart hockey and takes care of the puck, they will have their chances. Augustine will need to be on his A game but he can absolutely shut it down. He has historically played quite well against corn and navy.
The weasels have also been successful on the power play this season. This could be problematic for MSU as they have spent some time in the box. The Spartans are going to need to keep their cool in both games that will undoubtedly be chippy. There is still bad blood from last years Battle in the D that was loaded with penalties. The difference with the Spartans this year is they are much more physical. The physicality on top of the speed will be important for MSU to take control of the game. MSU has rallied around each other when needed this season. Everyone in East Lansing knows the sportsmanship of weasels. Expect them to play dirty and the Spartans will need to knock them in the face when the clean opportunity presents itself. The blue-collar, gritty physical play has been a part of MSU’s identity all year. They need that this weekend, but they need it with discipline. Stay full strength.
On the flip side, MSU will need to capitalize on power play opportunities. Defensive depth has been strong all season and that is where I am predicting MSU benefits this weekend. The defense will help convert on the advantage and be strong in the kill. They will need to limit shots on goal and be strong on face-offs in the defensive zone. Defensive depth will be the difference maker.
Friday night’s game at Munn will be on BTN at 8:30 and Saturday on B1G+ at 7:00. MSU will look to get momentum quickly and get the crowd going. I think MSU is irritated from the Wisconsin losses and the drop to 3 in the rankings. A split is important but I think MSU walks away with a dominant sweep and reminds the hockey world who is taking it all this year. What do you think? Leave a comment with your weekend predictions and Go Green!