Spartans look to get back to number one
Michigan State hockey had its 9 game win streak snapped this past weekend as it split two games with Wisconsin. MSU has been off to a fantastic start to the season even though the number one ranking was short lived. The current number three team in the country will take on the number one team, Minnesota in two games this weekend. A good weekend from the Spartans could have them heading into the holidays number one again.
This series is typically dominated by the Golden Gophers. It is MSU’s second most played rivalry. The Spartans have won just 18 times in Minnesota and the last time being in February of 2020. Both teams come into this matchup with National Title eyes this season and this will be another good barometer for the Spartans. Let’s take a look at some important keys to victory this weekend.
POWER PLAY/PENALTY KILL
MSU is a very good kill team and an even better scoring defensive team. MSU’s defense is the third best in the nation and although they commit more penalties than the Gophers, MSU could capitalize on a shorty and have it be a difference maker. Take penalties out all together and MSU defenders are going to need to push the blue line and take more shots. The Spartans want to spend as much time on the attack as possible. The need to play clean will be important as there is no need to put added pressure on Augustine for getting beat and hooking someone. stay out of the box, score on defense and you set yourself up for some positive results.
AUGUSTINE
Trey has been phenomenal and it is easy to forget how young this guy is. He’s the youngest full time starting goalie in the nation. He’s currently ranking nationally in wins, shutouts, minutes, GAA, save percentage…need I go on? If Augustine can play like a steel curtain this weekend, it will obviously bode well for MSU.
MULTILINE PRODUCTION
One of the best signs this season is the production that is coming from each line. This is a very solid team with scorers everywhere. Russell, Howard and Stramel have all been consistently active in the box scores. Basgall has points in 6 of the last 7 games and Andrews has been right behind him as both are the top two in blocks for the Spartans. If MSU can keep the lines active and continue to get production it could be a difference maker.
Both teams a prolific scoring offenses so it is really going to come down to which defense plays smarter and makes more stops. Friday’s game will be live on the Big Ten Network and Saturday on Big Ten+. If you have not caught a Spartan hockey game yet this year, Friday’s matchup will be a great one. This writer will be happy to leave Minnesota with a split and a bit of a break before the Great Lakes Invitational. All I want for Christmas is to be number one again!