It was another interesting week in the Big Ten.The Gophers are tied with Michigan for first in the conference, but Penn State and Michigan State are both still two points behind.

The Badgers earned their first win streak of the season, defeated Michigan State 2-1 in the first game of their series. The Spartans responded with a 3-0 win, but things are looking rocky for the Spartans now. Tom Anastos just suspended Dylan Pavelek and Carson Gatt for violating team rules, the second and third Spartans to be suspended this season.

They’re out indefinitely, and Michigan State has a huge series against Minnesota coming up. Then at the end of the season, the Spartans will take on Michigan just before the season’s end.

Speaking of Michigan, the Wolverines – in a huge upset – fell 5-3 to Ohio State. It was entirely surprising, given the Buckeyes are starting to get healthy, and scored six goals against Michigan this season. That extended Michigan’s losing streak to three games, until a 5-2 win over the Buckeyes snapped it.

After an impressive series against Michigan last weekend, the Gophers defeated Penn State and extended their winning streak to five. The Nittany Lions earned a 4-3 win in overtime on Saturday.

(After the jump: Wisconsin’s getting better, the two worst teams will go farther then you think and a PairWise check.)

The Spartans aren’t getting worse, the Badgers are just getting better

Michigan State has been stellar since the winter break, but dropped a 2-1 decision to the Badgers. I hard Joel Rumpel was the reason Wisconsin won, which doesn’t surprise me, considering the Badgers go as he goes.

This doesn’t mean the Spartans are getting worse. It’s been evident over the past few weeks that Wisconsin has been playing much better. They earned their first winning streak, and have played in some close games against some of the better conference teams.

Wisconsin and Ohio State will go farther than you think

This weekend, both Wisconsin and Ohio State earned a win. The Badgers, as I mentioned above, defeated Michigan State – a surging Spartan team that has the best defense in the conference. The Buckeyes came away with an even bigger victory, defeating Michigan and holding the Wolverines to three goals on Friday.

Last year we saw some surprises in the Big Ten tournament, and Ohio State pushed its way to the championship game. I don’t think this year will be different, because the Badgers and Buckeyes are gearing up for some upsets in the March.

PairWise check

The Big Ten is looking like it might be more than a one-bid team this season, because I can see almost anyone winning the tournament. Even Wisconsin, if Joel Rumpel can be lights out for three-straight games.

If the season ended today, Minnesota would be the only team to earn an at-large bid, as it’s No. 10 in the PairWise. Penn State is No. 26, while Michigan State is 33rd. There are still three weeks left for Minnesota to lose that spot, as the Gophers will face Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State.

The biggest question is Michigan, which sits in the 19th spot. On the outside looking in, it seems as though the Wolverines need to win the Big Ten tournament if they want a shot at the national championship. But without solid goaltending, I’m not sure the Wolverines will win the Big Ten championship.

It seems likely Minnesota will make the NCAA tournament, but I would give Michigan State the best chance at winning the Big Ten tournament.

Wednesday, February 25th, 2015 - 12:08 pm | Big Ten, Blogs, Notes, Thoughts, Ramblings