On February 6 and February 7, collegiate hockey fans will be treated to a thrilling matchup as No. 2 Michigan State (21-5-0, 12-4-0 Big Ten) goes head-to-head with No. 1 Michigan (22-4-0, 13-3-0 Big Ten). The games will take place at Yost Ice Arena on February 6 and at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on February 7. Fans can catch the action on FS1 for the first game and on the Big Ten Network for the second, with live broadcasts also available on MSUSpartans.com and the Michigan State Athletics app.
The historical rivalry is among the most intense in college hockey, with Michigan leading the all-time series 184-146-24. Both teams come into the weekend having recently enjoyed success on the ice. Michigan State’s recent performance is particularly notable, as they completed a road sweep at Penn State that included a dramatic 5-4 overtime win at Beaver Stadium, earning five out of six available points in the Big Ten standings. Senior forward Charlie Stramel stood out during this series, achieving a hat trick that included the overtime winner, and was named the Big Ten’s First Star of the Week.
Freshman forward Anthony Romani also shined for MSU, recording his first collegiate hat trick in a 6-3 victory on Friday, while teammates Porter Martone and Daniel Russell combined for a total of 11 points over the weekend. With 10 wins in the last 11 games, the Spartans are in great form, preparing to face a formidable Wolverines squad that has not lost a game since their last encounter on December 6.
Michigan, on the other hand, is on a high after sweeping rival Ohio State, capturing five out of six points. Currently leading the Big Ten with 36 points and boasting the NCAA’s third-best power play, the Wolverines have an impressive scoring offense, averaging 4.81 goals per game. Their scoring defense is also formidable, allowing only 2.15 goals per game, a statistic that pits them against MSU’s second-best scoring defense, which allows just 1.88 goals per game.
MSU’s head coach Adam Nightingale recognizes the significance of the rivalry, commenting that both teams are in excellent places, setting the stage for what promises to be tight, competitive games. Meanwhile, Michigan’s T.J. Hughes stands out as a key player, leading his team with 38 points.
With such high stakes, this series is not just pivotal for conference standings but also adds another chapter to the storied rivalry of college hockey. Both teams are primed for battle, making this a must-watch event for hockey fans everywhere. As the schedule draws near, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an exhilarating display of talent and rivalry on the ice.