Spartans Seek Redemption Against No.2 Wisconsin in Crucial Big Ten Series
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Michigan State hockey faces a significant test this weekend, traveling to Madison, Wisconsin, for a two-game series against the No. 2 ranked Badgers on Thursday, January 3rd at 9 p.m. ET and Friday,January 16th at 8 p.m. ET.The Spartans (15-5-0, 5-3-0 Big Ten) are looking to avenge a series sweep at the hands of wisconsin in mid-November and bolster their position in the competitive Big Ten standings.
Series History Favors Wisconsin, But Spartans See Growth
The all-time series between Michigan State and Wisconsin is closely contested, with the Spartans holding a 70-67-4 advantage. However, the badgers have historically dominated on their home ice, boasting a 38-21-2 record in madison. Despite this past disadvantage, the Spartans believe they have evolved as their previous encounter with Wisconsin.
Spartans Riding Momentum After Split Series
Michigan State enters the series following a split against Ohio State last weekend. A decisive 6-2 victory on Friday was followed by a narrow 2-1 loss in the series finale. Freshman forward Porter Martone was recognized for his strong performance, earning the Big Ten’s Second Star of the week after recording three goals and two assists.
The weekend also saw senior forward daniel Russell reach a significant milestone, becoming the first Spartan to record 100 career points since Mitchell Lewandowski. Senior forward Charlie Stramel continues to lead the team in scoring, currently with 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists).
“Anytime you play a team in our conference,it’s going to be a good team,so we go in with the mindset of understanding who we need to be to be a good hockey team,” a team official stated. “We have to go out there and be us and be the best version of the team that we are. This is the second half, and we’ve been clear on the expectations, and now there is no excuse. Our young guys aren’t young anymore, and I’ve enjoyed that our group has bought in to the way we want to play.”
Currently, Michigan State sits fourth in the Big Ten with 18 points, trailing Penn State by one point and Wisconsin by four. Michigan leads the conference with 26 points, but has played two more games than the rest of the league.
Scouting the Badgers: A Deep and Perilous Offense
Wisconsin has proven to be a formidable opponent, especially since sweeping the Spartans in November. The Badgers have gone 5-1 in their subsequent games, with their only loss coming against the defending NCAA champion, Western Michigan.
The Badgers boast a deep offensive lineup, led by forwards Quinn Finley and Christian Fitzgerald, both with 10 goals apiece. Forward Gavin morrissey leads the team in total points with 21 (three goals, 18 assists), and Wisconsin features ten players with at least 10 points.
Goaltender Daniel Hauser has been the primary netminder for Wisconsin, starting 16 of their 20 games. However, Eli Pulver secured both victories against Michigan State earlier this season.
“We’ve grown a lot since (the Wisconsin series), and I think we’ve become more mature and more consistent with our play ” Stramel said. “We’ll be more than ready to go this weekend. We continue to gain more and more confidence and build chemistry.We’re trying to go into their barn and do what they did to us in the first half. That’s the goal.”
The games will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network (Thursday) and BTN-plus (Friday), with audio coverage available at MSUSpartans.com and on the Michigan State Athletics app.
Key Players – Spartans: Porter Martone, Daniel Russell, Charlie Stramel
Key Players – Badgers: Quinn Finley, Christian Fitzgerald, Gavin Morrissey
Goaltenders – Badgers: Daniel Hauser, Eli Pulver
Big Ten Standings: Michigan (26 points), Wisconsin (22 points), Penn State (19 points), Michigan State (18 points)
**Broadcast Information
