The top of the Big Ten standings are still tight, and two of the top four programs – Minnesota and Michigan State – will battle over a two-point difference between first and third. With the season almost ending, these are important weeks for both Minnesota and Michigan. The Gophers are currently on the inside, but Michigan is out.

Two good teams, Michigan and Penn State, will have tough contests in Wisconsin and Ohio State this weekend. The two bottom Big Ten teams have been playing better, or in Ohio State’s case, finally healthy.

It’s late in the season, but there are still so many question marks, mainly of consistency, with all of these teams.

Minnesota (17-10-3, 8-3-3 B1G) vs. Michigan State (13-13-2, 7-5-2 B1G): Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. CT; Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. CT

The Gophers dropped their last game against Penn State in a 4-3 overtime decision. They’ve been playing well lately, with a couple impressive wins over the Wolverines. This is an important weekend for the Gophers, who are 10th in the PairWise.

This is a key series for both teams, because the Spartans have surged since winter break. They’ve been playing well, but Michigan State just dropped a 2-1 decision to the Badgers and left with a split. Unfortunately for the Spartans, freshmen Carson Gatt and Dylan Pavelek are suspended indefinitely for violating team rules. Gatt’s absence hurts, as he’s become one of the team’s set blueliners this season and has earned a lot of playing time.

Minnesota was the best all-around team last year, and that’s what Michigan State is trying to be right now. While offense has lacked in the past for the Spartans, it’s been improving.

Michigan State has the goalkeeping advantage with Jake Hildebrand, and the better defense. But the Gophers have been improving, so this will be a good test for both teams.

Prediction: Series split

Michigan (17-11-0, 9-5-0 B1G) vs. Wisconsin (4-20-4, 2-10-2 B1G): Feb. 27 at 7:35 p.m.; Feb. 28 at 4 p.m.

The Badgers recorded their first winning streak over the past few weeks, earning wins over Ohio State and Michigan State. Wisconsin dripped the second game to Michigan State, but has been playing much better lately.

While Michigan hasn’t been playing poorly, it accrued a three-game losing streak thanks to a sweep by Minnesota and a loss to Ohio State. The Wolverines defeated Ohio State 5-2 on Saturday, but the questions of Michigan’s defense and goalkeeping remain.

Zach Hyman and Dylan Larkin are great players – especially Larkin. Michigan’s offense still averages 3.96 goals per game, but teams have been able to limit the offense lately.

Earlier in the season, I would’ve picked Michigan to win. But with the Wolverine offense dropping off a little bit, plus Wisconsin’s improved play, there’s a chance the Badgers could win. By “chance,” I mean Joel Rumpel needs to play out of his mind.

Prediction: Michigan sweeps

Ohio State (9-17-2, 4-10-0 B1G) vs. Penn State (16-10-4, 8-4-1 B1G): Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m.; Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.

The Buckeyes have been subpar this season, but have won two of their last four – including an impressive win over Michigan. For the first time almost all season, the Buckeyes are finally healthy. Despite the injuries, they’ve managed some impressive games this season.

The Nittany Lions defeated Minnesota on Saturday, snapping a three-game losing streak. Casey Bailey now has 35 points, while Taylor Holstrom has 29. P.J. Musico has been getting most of Penn State’s starts, while Christian Frey has started the last four for the Buckeyes.

I’ve always liked Penn State, but I like the Buckeyes now that they’re healthy.

Prediction: Series split

Thursday, February 26th, 2015 - 9:00 am | Big Ten, Blogs, Notes, Thoughts, Ramblings