Instead, the Spartans have dug deep and wobbly found a way back to their feet.

They are standing up and fighting for another day.

The Spartans have put forth resilient efforts in the past two weekends, earning seven points in the span — more than they earned in the months of November and December combined.

MSU head coach Rick Comley finally has his team playing Spartans hockey.

It’s tough, grind-it-out, hardworking hockey.

Now that’s not to say that this team is going to be a serious national contender come playoff time.

This is still a very young and inexperienced team, but they are showing signs of improvement.

Comley dealt with numerous injuries and suspensions this season, but he has pushed this team forward and it is finally showing signs of growth.

The lineup is so narrow that the Spartans dressed everyone on the roster Saturday — which was only 19 players, one less than all other teams play with.

But it’s not just the numbers, it’s the point that everyone on the team is playing.

It doesn’t matter if you were on a healthy scratch for the entire first half of the season.

Now, every healthy body on the roster is expected to step up and contribute.

And some players are willingly stepping into positions they have never played before to help the team.

Senior forward turned defenseman Kurt Kivisto had never played a moment of defense in his life. Now he has made a smooth transition to defense and is one of the Spartans best at the point.

Comley even put sophomore defenseman Jeff Petry at center when Ohio State sent out their fourth line — a smart move because the Spartans had the last change on home ice and it gave everyone else a much earned breather.

“I’m not really comfortable up there, but I’m trying to do whatever I can,” Petry said.

Petry’s mentality has been mirrored by everyone in the locker room — do whatever it takes to better the team every shift.

This is most noticeable from the back-checking of forwards and their efforts to clog up the neutral zone. It’s hard work at its finest — leaving everything on the ice every shift.

Granted, without the spectacular play of senior goaltender Jeff Lerg, the Spartans might not have earned any points in the past two weekends.

Also, the power play must find a way to be productive because it has been absolutely horrible.

But the team is playing to its defensive strengths and finding what it takes to win close games.

The towel that seemed to be ready to be tossed into the ring is now being used for its intended purpose. It’s wiping the sweat off a hardworking hockey team.