The Spartans kick off the NCAA tourney in Toledo as a 1 seed
MSU Hockey is set to begin its second season at 5:30pm Thursday in Toledo on ESPN+. The Spartans have a number 1 seed and the number 2 seed overall. Unfortunately, MSU’s tournament play didn’t garner the number 1 overall, but I digress on my thoughts about that subject. The Spartans are in the Toledo bracket and will face the Big Red of Cornell for the twelfth time in their history.
Cornell finished last year one goal away from the Frozen Four and was favored to win the ECAC but their season did not exactly go according to plan. Mike Schafer is set to retire after the season 4. Injuries and power play woes contributed to a number 6 seed in their conference tournament. The only way into the NCAA was to win it and that was going to take defeating Quinnipiac and Clarkson. Well, that is exactly what they did and not only did they secure their spot in the tournament by doing so they also managed to eliminate those weasels down the road from East Lansing. So, what are the keys to Spartan victory?
SPECIAL TEAMS
Special teams will be a big one in this game. Cornell has struggled all year and ranked 61st out of 64 teams on the power play. MSU has been strong on the PK all year and they will look to continue their ability to take away lanes and strong scoring chances for the opposition. Cornell has also played undisciplined at times and in a recent game against Colgate they gave up 7 power plays. Colgate was unable to take advantage of that but the Spartans are not Colgate. After scoring quick on two power plays against OSU, MSU knows how to put the pressure on and get shots on the net.
WILL THE STARS SHINE?
The B1G title game saw all of MSU’s recognized players contribute. Howard’s two goals, Dorwart’s goal and assist, Basgall and his blocks and Augustine majestically calm in the net. Sure, all these guys contributing is obviously going to set up the Spartans but luckily, this team is deep. There are plenty of players that can help MSU get the victory. Kelly, Russell and Männistö all had very good games against OSU and while they didn’t get the stars recognition, it definitely could be them on Thursday or a number of other guys. Cornell has 10 seniors and a very experienced team so MSU may have to find success from the depth of their team.
FACE-OFFS AND SHOTS
Face-offs are very close between these two teams. Winning those in Cornell’s end will help MSU continue their “corner” success. The Spartans have done a great job this season of taking control of the puck at opportune times. This has also allotted for puck control. MSU has been very good at moving the puck around and maintaining possession and being patient enough to wait for the open shot. When it comes to one and done games, getting the puck at the net is important. Augustine is well aware of the bad luck of puck bounces as he’s had a few of those go against him this year.
I expect to see a large number of Spartan faithful in the arena to help give the game a Munn vibe. This team still has a spot on the shelf for one more trophy this year and they know they have work to do. This team has been focused, conditioned and goal oriented all season and I don’t see that stopping now. I see the Spartans coming out on top Thursday 4-2. If they do win, they will potentially have a B1G tournament finale rematch against OSU on Saturday if the Buckeyes take care of Boston University. Go Green!