:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53498199/MSU_ENTRANCE_HOCKEY.0.jpg)
Michigan State was handed two crushing losses from a strong Penn State program. The last home series of the season was yet another blemish for the MSU seniors.
Penn State won each contest handily and honestly, there is not much to report about this weekend other than the fact that it was another disastrous weekend for the Spartans. Michigan State will close out the schedule with road series against an Ohio State team who is on the outside looking in for an at-large NCAA tournament berth as well as a road series against Minnesota, who happens to be a virtual lock for the NCAA tournament. It is very possible that the Spartans finish the season on an eight-game losing streak.
Overall, MSU sits at a horrid 6-21-3 record. It would take nothing short of a miracle for MSU to win the Big Ten tournament and make the NCAA tournament. In short, it’s just not going to happen.
The young talent on this team provides optimism moving forward. But as I stated in my first article, it will take the right guy behind the bench for these kids to reach their ceiling. The potential that this team has could be that of a potential Big Ten contender. I am not confident that this team reaches that potential under coach Anastos’ watch nor am I confident that this change is made.
Around the conference
Michigan and Ohio State split. This essentially puts Ohio State in a position in which they have to either finish the regular season on a strong streak or win the Big Ten to make the NCAA tournament. Michigan will not be competing in postseason play besides the Big Ten tournament.
Wisconsin and Minnesota also split. Minnesota will more than likely make the NCAA tourney. Wisconsin more than likely needs to win the Big Ten to make the tournament.
Around the country
Air Force split with Sacred Heart. Air Force is all but guaranteed a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Union had another solid weekend with a 4-3 win over Colgate and a tie against Cornell, who is also a solid squad.
Harvard won both of their games this weekend. They continue to play good hockey heading into the tournament.
Boston University split with Notre Dame. I still think we’ll see BU win the national title.
UMass Lowell swept Boston College! BC has had a rough go lately, and UMass Lowell has been very good all year.
Providence swept Massachusetts. Providence’s basketball team could also make the tournament. If both teams appear, it will be the first time that a hockey and basketball team make the tournament since Providence did it in 2015.
Minnesota Duluth beat Miami and then tied. At #2, they’re another favorite to win the national title.
Top-ranked Denver swept St. Cloud State. Denver is closing out the season strong.
Michigan Tech split with Northern Michigan. Michigan Tech is Bemidji State’s primary competition in the WCHA and could very well beat them in the conference tournament. Should this happen, Michigan Tech will make the NCAA tournament.
Western Michigan tied on Friday night and won on Saturday night. They should hold their spot in the top ten (8) and conceivably, they will compete in the NCAA tournament.