Around The Big Ten (Hockey): Feb. 9
Another sequence of games is finished in the big bad hockey conference known as the Big Ten.
Ohio State currently sits atop the standings, with the Buckeyes continuing an impressive campaign. Meanwhile, Michigan State sits in last in what has been a losing season for the Spartans, with 11 wins and 16 losses.
Things are beginning to wrap up, with only a few weeks remaining in the regular season. So, here’s a quick review of what recently transpired in the Big Ten.
No. 11 Notre Dame Punishes Penn State
Notre Dame swept Penn State with ease in South Bend over the weekend.
Penn State came into the series following a 6-0 loss against Ohio State at home amid offensive struggles. Sure enough, the Nittany Lions scored just two goals the entire series.
Notre Dame dismantled Penn State 7-2 in game one, then proceeded to hold the Nittany Lions scoreless in a 3-0 win the following night.
No. 8 Ohio State Edges Wisconsin
Ohio State unsurprisingly took care of business against Wisconsin. However, it wasn’t easy at first. The first-place Buckeyes were tied at three goals a piece and had to go to overtime in Columbus, with the home team eventually getting the game-winner.
Game two was a better representation of how both teams compared to each other in talent, with Ohio State winning 6-2.
The Buckeyes will remain at home for their next series as they will take on Minnesota.
The Badgers were supposed to take on Notre Dame at home this weekend, although that series was postponed. Wisconsin’s next scheduled series is on the road against Minnesota.
No. 7 Minnesota Squashes Michigan State
The Golden Gophers took care of business against the lowly Spartans in Minneapolis this past weekend.
In game one, Minnesota went down 2-0 before scoring four unanswered goals to win the game 4-2. It was a strong showing of a potent and resilient Minnesota team.
In game two, Minnesota outplayed Michigan State in a 3-1 victory.
Ben Brinkman scored the first goal early in the game, but the Spartans tied it up in the second period. In the third period, though, Minnesota’s Sammy Walker scored two goals two minutes apart from each other to take control of the game, which ended in a decisive victory for the Golden Gophers.
It was a tough series for the Spartans, one that could’ve resulted in an upset given the way Michigan State played, particularly in game one. The season has gone differently for both teams, with Minnesota being one of the highest-ranked teams in college hockey while Michigan State is unranked.
Looking Ahead
The biggest and most interesting matchup coming up is Ohio State versus Minnesota. The series will take place in Columbus this coming Friday and Saturday.
It will be a significant series in terms of conference standings, as Ohio State currently sits first while Minnesota is third. Both teams are among the best in college hockey, so expect a very good series.
Nolan Wick is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email nhw5046@psu.edu.
