Countdown to faceoff: MSU vs. Notre Dame

Colorado Springs, Colo. — As someone who’s seen all but six of MSU’s 40 hockey games this season, I can tell you that the two games against Notre Dame in January were two of the most intense, competitive games I watched this season.

That’s why tonight’s NCAA West Regional final game with the Fighting Irish excites me so much. I’m expecting nothing less than the same knockdown, drag-out fight that I saw earlier this year.

The Irish were extremely impressive in dismantling top-seeded New Hampshire last night. Likewise, so was MSU in defeating host Colorado College.

That’s why this game is so intriguing. Notre Dame could in the midst of making a run like MSU did last season. Although, the Spartans could be in the midst of making a run like they did last season, as well.

MSU will have to crack Notre Dame’s Jordan Pearce. He was overshadowed by David Brown last season but has really stepped up and led the Irish this year.

It will be interesting to see how both teams handle a second game in two days with the high altitude and the Olympic ice. The best conditioned team should be in the best position to win the game.

One other interesting tidbit to look at is the revenge factor. The Spartans knocked off Notre Dame in the Midwest Regional final last season, a week after the Irish captured the CCHA Championship. That loss ended an incredible season for Notre Dame and I’m sure that will weigh on its players.

With both teams looking impressive last night, it’s tough to find a read on this one. The one thing I can point to is MSU’s championship experience. This team is wise beyond its years in the tournament and that is an incredible asset to have. Both the junior and senior classes have been to the NCAA Tournament three times now and this will be their third trip to a regional final game. Notre Dame can’t really claim that.

There is no doubt in my mind that this will be a close game but the Spartans will get it done and head to another Frozen Four.

MSU 3, Notre Dame 1

MSU goal scorers: Tim Crowder, Jeff Petry, Justin Abdelkader (empty net); Jeff Lerg makes 27 saves.