The Big Ten continues this week with out-of-conference play. After splitting with Minnesota State, the Gophers are back on a bye this weekend. The Buckeyes, who are on a three-game winning streak, are also on a break.

Michigan State, Michigan, Wisconsin and Penn State are all in action this week.

Michigan State vs. Michigan Tech: Nov. 21 at 4:05 p.m.; Nov. 22 at 4:05 p.m.

The Spartan offense has been on fire lately, with four goals or more in its last three games. Surprisingly, though, Michigan State’s been letting in more goals than I thought it would. The Spartans have won three of their last four, and almost tied Boston College last weekend.

Michigan Tech is coming off a series split with Bowling Green. Michigan Tech earned a 2-0 win before losing 3-2 to the Falcons. Malcolm Gould and Alex Petan lead the team with seven points.

Prediction: Series split

Michigan at Boston University: Nov. 20 at 6 p.m.; Nov. 21 at 4 p.m.

These teams met last year for quite a game, featuring two of the NCAA’s top players in Jack Eichel and Dylan Larkin. Both players turned pro after last season, leaving holes in their respective teams. Michigan still has offensive firepower though, backed by some solid veterans and freshmen Cooper Marody and Kyle Connor.

Michigan hasn’t been able to keep its offensive numbers up all the time, and the defense and goaltending has still been inconsistent.

It’s been a tough season for BU as well, but the Terriers are coming off a couple ties against Providence. The Terriers are still a very young team. Seniors Danny O’Regan and Ahti Oksanen are leading the team.

Prediction: Series sweep

Wisconsin vs. Denver: Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. CT; Nov 21 at 8 p.m. CT

Backed by Matt Jurusik, the Badgers pulled off an upset win over NorthDakota last week. It was impressive and Jurusik has been good for Wisconsin this year, but it’s too early to tell if that win was just an anomaly. The Badgers were on a three-game winning streak until last Saturday’s loss to North Dakota.

The Pioneers just tied Minnesota-Duluth after earning a 3-0 win. Will Butcher leads the Pioneers with 10 points. Denver, expected to be one of the better teams in the NCHC, had a rough time when it visited Boston a few weeks ago.

Prediction: Denver sweeps

Penn State at Alaska-Anchorage: Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. AT; Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. AT

The Nittany Lions have one of the best offenses in the league, averaging 4.40 goals per game. Penn State has fared well out-of-conference against a mostly Atlantic Hockey slate. Alaska-Anchorage just defeated Ferris State 5-0.

Blake Tatchell has 13 points, tied for 12th in the country and first in the WCHA. Olivier Mantha has started nine games for Alaska-Anchorage and holds a .914 save percentage. While Penn State has a powerful offense, the Nittany Lions have struggled to keep opponents from scoring.

Prediction: Series split

Friday, November 20th, 2015 - 9:00 am | Big Ten, Blogs, Notes, Thoughts, Ramblings