They who must not be mentioned head to Munn and LCA this weekend.
The Spartans enter the weekend having hung on to their number 2 ranking after a split in Columbus with the Buckeyes. This weekend the weasels head to Munn and will try to stink up the joint in their rodent way. Having lost in OT at Yost and bounced back to win at Munn a few weeks ago, the Spartans look to go on another victory march and close the final few series of the season with sweeps.
The number 13 weasels are likely to make the tournament but with a late season slide that could start with an MSU sweep this weekend could have them on the outside looking in. MSU has played very well at Munn this anniversary year and boast a 10-1-1 record at home.
Saturday’s game is the Duel in the D. MSU is 3-0 in neutral rinks this season. They trail in the all time series record as the weasels lead that at 19-12-5. MSU has won five of the last seven at LCA in the match up. The Spartans have added a couple of extra shelves in the trophy case as they intend to make room for a few more this season, starting with the Iron D.
Let’s take a quick look at my 3 keys to victory this weekend.
- Continued dominance from the Stramel/Howard/Russell line. All three are having career years and have been extremely hot since skating together the last 15 games. The trio have racked up 61 points in those 15 games. Howard has had a knack of finding the net this season and is a prime Hobey Baker candidate this season. This trio is the offensive juggernaut that can take the Spartans all the way. I would love to see an all out assault by these three this weekend.
- Andrews and Gucciardi continue to block. These two defenders have also been hot as of late as the top two shot blockers on the team. But, that is not the only way these two have been contributing to success this season. Gucciardi has career highs on his scoring line and Andrews holds a +22 rating, which is third nationally. Gucciardi is currently on a mini scoring streak and with solid D pushing the offense, more opportunities have abound.
- The strong arm of conditioning. The Spartans and Coach have been sharing a lot of pride in the teams conditioning, shout out to Will Morlock. MSU is 12-0-2 in the second game of series this season and have a four game victory streak in one week that was the GLI in GR, Wisconsin at home and the Frozen Confines game. MSU has not looked sluggish, at all in these second games and seem to feed off the fact they are better conditioned to go for the kill in game two. Having to travel again, albeit short, for game two, the Spartans will look to showcase that conditioning again to walk out with that Iron D.
I am not shying away from this one and am predicting a weekend sweep. What do you say TOC readers? Will any of you be at Munn or LCA? Let’s close out this weekend before the week break with Victory 4 MSU!