Around the Big Ten Hockey: October 13
Big Ten teams have finally all begun their seasons with some dominating performances and questionable stumbles.
The uber-talented Michigan Wolverines flexed their offensive muscles with a sweep over Lake Superior State. The maize and blue tallied 13 goals in its first two games on home ice.
Michigan players took home the Big Ten’s first and second stars of the week with Brendan Brisson taking in the former and Owen Power the latter.
Brisson tallied three power-play goals and had five total points in Michigan’s opening series while 2021 first-overall draft pick, Power, had his first four-point game.
Next up for the Wolverines is the Ice Breaker series where they will take on college hockey powerhouse, No. 5 Minnesota-Duluth.
Unsurprisingly, the third star of the week in the Big Ten came from the other top contender in the conference, Minnesota.
Forward Blake McLaughlin of the Golden Gophers had multiple points in both games and recorded five points total to tie for the conference lead.
Minnesota took care of business against Mercyhurst with wins of 7-4 and 5-3 over the Lakers. Despite the sweep, the Golden Gophers struggled a bit defensively, giving up seven goals in two games.
Fifth-year goalkeeper Jack LaFontaine had just a .841 save percentage in the first two games. Despite the small sample size, it is concerning to see the usually dominant LaFontaine struggle early on.
Minnesota has an electric series coming up when they will take on No. 2. St. Cloud State in a home and home slate.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have only played one game so far this season against Long Island University. The Fighting Irish captured a 5-2 victory with five different goal scorers getting on the board.
Notre Dame’s next matchup features a Michigan Tech team that just stomped over Wisconsin.
Speaking of the Badgers, Wisconsin suffered two multiple goal losses, dropping both games on home ice by scores of 5-2 and 5-1.
Wisconsin will look to rebound and start the road back to being nationally ranked with an upcoming series against Army.
Ohio State and Michigan State both split their opening series with tough game one losses.
The Buckeyes narrowly lost to Bentley by a score of 2-1 before bouncing back with a 7-1 victory.
The Spartans lost their first game on home ice to Air Force in overtime 3-2. Michigan State regathered themselves with a 5-1 win in game two.
Finally, Penn State, the only team that has played two series thus far in the conference, split games with a gritty Canisius team.
After losing game one by a score of 4-1, the Nittany Lions struck back like many of their Big Ten counterparts defeating Canisius 5-2.
Penn State has an off week before taking on Niagara at home.
Maclain Young is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email macyoung21@gmail.com.
