Big Ten play resumes this weekend for all teams. The Nittany Lions host Wisconsin, Ohio State travels to Minnesota and the Spartans and Wolverines engage in the second part of their rivalry.

The Michigan-Michigan State game should be competitive, and it’s the third meeting between both teams in a month. It’s a battle of offense and defense, and last weekend defense (Michigan State) won.

Penn State (13-7-4, 5-2-1 B1G) vs. Wisconsin (2-16-4, 0-6-2 B1G): Feb 6 at 6:30 p.m.; Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.

After three non-conference games, the Nittany Lions return to Big Ten play against Wisconsin. Earlier in the season, Penn State swept the Badgers at Wisconsin.

The Nittany Lions are undefeated in their last six games, and their offense has picked up after a slow post-winter break start. Penn State has scored four of more goals in their last four contests. Casey Bailey’s 29 points leads the team.

The Badgers have scored four goals in three of their last four games, but haven’t won since Jan. 3. Grant Besse has scored in five of the last six games, and is on a two-game point streak.

Prediction: Penn State sweeps

Minnesota (12-9-3, 3-2-2 B1G) vs. Ohio State (7-13-2, 2-6-0 B1G): Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. CT; Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. CT

The Gophers host the Buckeyes in the first matchup between the two teams this season. Minnesota defeated and tied Wisconsin last week, while the very injured Buckeyes had a bye week.

Matt Johnson is back for the Buckeyes, while Darik Angeli and Lundey are probable, per Matthew McGreevy. But Chad Niddery is out. The Buckeyes are on a four-game losing streak, but still scored six goals against Michigan.

Minnesota has struggled to win in the second half, even against the Badgers. The Gophers will be without Connor Reilly, who’s out indefinitely after a kneeing hit from Wisconsin’s Corbin McGuire, per the Star Tribune.

Prediction: Series split

Michigan (15-8-0, 7-2-0 B1G) vs. Michigan State (10-11-2, 4-3-2 B1G): Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. CT (Hockey City Classic)

Michigan and Michigan State meet at Soldier Field for the Hockey City Classic one week after the Spartans defeated the Wolverines 2-1 at the Joe Louis Arena.

Michigan State was the first team to limit Michigan to a goal since Boston College’s 5-1 victory on Dec. 13. Th Wolverines still lead the country with 4.22 goals per game, and Dylan Larkin was named the HCA National Rookie of the month in January after scoring 14 points (7g, 7a) over six games.

I predicted the Spartans would win last week, because they’re the only team Michigan has faced over the past six games that has a defense capable of limiting Michigan’s offense. Kudos to the Wolverines though, for only allowing two goals.

The weather and conditions will probably play a factor on Saturday.

Prediction: Michigan State wins

Friday, February 6th, 2015 - 9:00 am | Big Ten, Blogs, Notes, Thoughts, Ramblings