You can’t judge a book by its cover.
Despite Ohio State’s lackluster record, which includes an 11-game winless streak early in the season, the MSU hockey team seems to struggle against the Buckeyes.
Icers look to stay hot against Buckeyes
Junior goaltender Jeff Lerg looks for the puck during the MSU vs. Notre Dame game last Sunday in South Bend, Ind. Lerg had 34 saves but let in one goal during the game, which ended in a tie.
Ohio State has won four of six meetings between the two squads and 10 of the previous 16 meetings.
As the Spartans head to Columbus, Ohio, this weekend for a two-game series, the team is looking forward to a road trip.
Transcending from a team such as last weekend’s game against No. 6 Notre Dame to the unranked Buckeyes could be trouble for most teams.
However, sophomore defenseman Michael Ratchuk says his team won’t be underestimating Ohio State.
“You have to have that same mind-set (as with any other team),” Ratchuk said. “You have to be hungry when you come into it.
“It’ll be a fun weekend on the road. It’ll be tough but it will be a good experience for us.”
Ratchuk added that Buckeyes’ goaltender Joseph Palmer’s play is similar to MSU junior goaltender Jeff Lerg, which could make for some scoring difficulties.
Palmer has played 34 games this season with a 2.96 GAA and a .890 save percentage.
“He’s really strong when he gets up for games,” Ratchuk said. “I think they’re going to come at us hard.
“You always (know) he’s ready. It’s never a question in anyone’s mind. He hates losing, he hates it with a passion. That’s why it’ll be tough … he’s a competitor, and he’ll be hungry.”
MSU head coach Rick Comley said he can’t quite put his finger on what makes Ohio State a difficult team to play.
“To me, the road should be irrelevant,” Comley said.
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“For the most part, if you accept the fact the home team’s going to be jacked up, you know, you start the game solid defensively, which I think we’re getting better at.”
In CCHA play, the Spartans have a 5-0-1 road record, and with 14 games left on the season, the team is treating each meeting on the remaining schedule as vital.
“We struggle down there,” Comley said.
“They can play very well at times. We don’t look ahead, we just play.
“Every game is critical.”
The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Friday and 7:35 p.m. Saturday. Both games will be contested at Value City Arena.
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