There’s only one school ranked higher than No. 2 Michigan State hockey — in both the Big Ten and the country. That school resides in Ann Arbor. 

MSU will face off against No. 1 Michigan this weekend, opening the two-game series at Yost Ice Arena. Puck drop for opening night is set for Friday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. on FS1. The rivals will conclude the series at Little Caesar’s Arena for their annual Duel in the D contest. The series finale is on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network. 

Rivalries force you to be at your best, MSU head coach Adam Nightingale said. However, this rivalry holds more gravity than rankings or pride — it’s a fight for the Big Ten regular-season title. 

Every member of the Big Ten has squared off at least once or twice this season. While college hockey is competitive and every game starts with an empty scoreboard, there are three main contenders for conference champion: Michigan, MSU and Penn State. 

Michigan holds a narrow lead in the Big Ten with 36 points and a 13-3-0 conference record (22-4-0 overall). After sweeping Penn State last weekend, Michigan State jumped to second place with 35 points and a 12-4-0 conference record (21-5-0 overall). Penn State has 32 points, and Wisconsin is in fourth place with 22, highlighting the gap in the conference standings. The Wolverines and Spartans rank No. 1 and No. 2 nationally in winning percentage.

Last Meeting

Then-No. 3 MSU and No. 1 Michigan last competed on Dec. 5 and 6, the week before winter (and conference) break. 

The Spartans looked flat in a 3-0 loss in the series opener. Michigan played tight defense, and Michigan State struggled to break through the zones. The Spartans never truly tested Michigan’s goaltender, and untimely penalties further hindered their momentum.

The following night provided a clean slate. Despite trailing 1-0, just as the previous night, freshman forward Anthony Romani evened the score and added another goal in the third period, helping the Spartans take a 3-1 win at Yost Ice Arena. Overall, the team looked better. It blocked shots, stopped rushes and got inside offensively, reaffirming its ability to respond. 

Scouting Michigan