Spartan close the regular season in South Bend
MSU hockey heads into the final weekend of the regular season with two games against the Irish in South Bend. They no longer hold the cards to the BIG regular season championship as they sit two points behind Minnesota. After a disappointing weekend at home against Penn State, the Spartans will be looking for some help from that very same team to propel them back into first. Here’s a glimpse at what needs to happen for MSU to take first.
MSU sweeps ND and PSU sweeps Minnesota all in regulation
This scenario is the easiest and least stressful. This would put MSU with 50 points and in clear sole possession of first place. Let’s hope for this one.
MSU sweeps ND and PSU beats Minnesota in OT both games
This would give MSU 50 points and Minnesota would finish with 48 points. It’s unlikely that both games would go to overtime, but not impossible.
MSU wins one in regulation and another in OT or shootout and Minnesota loses one in regulation and wins one in OT or shootout
MSU would finish with 49 points and Minnesota would finish with 48. The way these tow teams have been so close all season, I would not be surprised if they finished the season a point apart.
MSU wins both in OT or shootout and Minnesota loses both in regulation
The Spartans would end the season in this scenario with 48 points and Minnesota would be at 46.
There are also ways that OSU gets into the mix with a six point weekend and MSU and Minnesota failing miserably. There are also various tie scenarios that we don’t even want to get in the mess of discussing because the Spartans aren’t going to need that.
The main goal the Spartans need to achieve is to take care of business and play like the team they have been the whole season. Cleaner play and less penalties will be a key to success. ND will have a packed house with former players there to celebrate Jeff Jackson’s retirement. ND broke a 5 game losing streak last weekend against Wisconsin and will look to be spoilers on Jackson’s final weekend.
My prediction….
I think MSU takes care of business in South Bend and gets the 6 points. I also think PSU stays hot enough to take one from Minnesota. MSU just needs to win and PSU needs to take two or more points.
How to watch:
Friday Feb 28, 7pm on Peacock
Saturday March 1, 6pm on Peacock
This team deserves the title and as unfortunate as it is that they no longer control that destiny, it is one of the beautiful things about must win hockey. Go Green!