Spartans look to continue recent dominance over OSU
Michigan State hockey is back in action this weekend with a pair of games against the Buckeyes at Munn. Friday night’s puck drop is at 7pm and Saturday’s is at 6pm. Both games can be streamed on BTN+.
The number 4 ranked Spartans are coming off a bye week with a 5-1 record. The Buckeyes are currently ranked 13 and are 7-0. OSU has been a scoring machine this year and are coming off 15 goals last weekend against Lake Superior State. The Spartans will be looking for another big game from Trey Augustine in net to shut down the high powered offensive attack. MSU has had good numbers this season on scoring defense and player blocked shots. This could be a benefit to the Spartans chances at a weekend sweep. MSU holds the all time series lead at 100-57-13. Here’s three big things to keep an eye on this weekend.
RUSSELL AND HOWARD
These two look to stay hot after the bye week. Russell has three game winners already this season and Howard is at 1.3 points per game. Things look good for State this weekend if both of these guys stay hot.
POWER PLAY
MSU finally got the power play going against Canisius netting three in the series. This has been a struggling spot in the Spartan game and taking advantage of these opportunities needs to continue. Both teams are very good on the kill so the team that breaks through on the power play may be the difference maker.
DEFENSE
Ohio State has been scoring all season and the Spartans are going to need to slow down the attack. MSU is fifth in the nation in penalty minutes and is going to need to start playing much cleaner hockey. They can’t be spending over 14 minutes a game playing short handed, especially against a four goals per game average team like OSU.
I’m hoping for a weekend sweep of course but I’m predicting a weekend split.
SPECIAL MONTH
The Spartans are sponsoring their third annual Spartans Full Strength program in the month of November. The month-long observance puts a spotlight on cancer awareness and honors those who have been affected by the disease. The Spartans are pairing with the Dr. Stephen Swistak Memorial Fund for this year’s initiative – Swistak was a four-year MSU letterwinner who passed from esophageal cancer in 2015.
The players and coaches will wear Spartans Full Strength pins/helmet stickers throughout the month of November in addition to several opportunities to honor cancer survivors, caregivers, and those who have fought the disease during MSU’s home games.