Four Big Ten teams will play this weekend – Wisconsin, Minnesota, Penn State and Michigan State, while Michigan and Ohio State both have a bye. None of the Big Ten teams have fared well in out-of-conference, non-Atlantic Hockey matchups this season.

All six Big Ten teams have struggled this season, especially the Badgers and Buckeyes. Wisconsin has the biggest out-of-conference test this week as the young squad travels to NorthDakota, while the Gophers will be challenged by Notre Dame. The Spartans have also struggled to win, making their series against the Wildcats one to watch.

But aside from that, the non-conference schedule isn’t asvict bad for the Big Ten this weekend.

Michigan State vs. New Hampshire: Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

The Spartans are back in action after missing last weekend with a bye. Michigan State has two wins on the season and split its last series with Lake Superior State. The Spartan offense has struggled, averaging 2.17 goals per games. Injuries have been a factor for Michigan State, though.

UNH is 3-2-1 this season with wins over AIC, Union and Merrimack. Tyler Kelleher has 13 points for the Wildcats, tied for the national scoring lead. Andrew Poturalski is tied for third in the country with 12 points.

It’s hard to tell where Michigan State stands given some injuries. The Spartans did lose some key players, and it’s hurt both defensively and offensively. They should start getting better as the season goes on and could end the weekend with a split.

Prediction: Series split

Wisconsin at North Dakota: Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. CT; Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. CT

The Badgers renew their yearly rivalry with North Dakota this weekend. Although better than last season, Wisconsin is still in the bottom tier of the league. The Badgers did earn their first wins last weekend, sweeping Arizona State. But against higher-level competition, the Badgers have a slim chance of winning.

North Dakota, which is on a five-game winning streak, is undefeated this season. The green and white haven’t been tested much though, earning wins against Lake Superior and Colorado College. Junior Matt Hrynkiw has taken over Zane McIntyre’s place in net and has started six games for North Dakota.

While Matt Jurusik has played well for the Badgers, asking a young and inexperienced team to win at North Dakota is too much.

Prediction: North Dakota sweeps

Minnesota vs. Notre Dame: Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. CT; Nov. 7 at 5:30 pm. CT

After a bye week, the Gophers face Notre Dame for a two-game set. The matchup is the last between Minnesota head coach Don Lucia and his son, Notre Dame forward Mario. The Gophers have struggled this season but managed eight goals in a sweep of Northeastern their last time out.

Notre Dame only has one loss, a 5-3 decision against Penn State. The Fighting Irish most recently swept UConn, which included an 8-2 win in Brooklyn. While Notre Dame has more wins than the Gophers, they aren’t a powerful team yet. Neither are the Gophers, though.

Prediction: Series split

Penn State at Niagara: Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.

The Nittany Lions haven’t had a tough out-of-conference schedule so far, and that should continue with one game against Niagara. Penn State is 4-2-1 this season and has scored five or more goals in four games. The Nittany Lions struggled to score last week, but that was against a tough St. Lawrence defense.

Penn State should get its offense back this week, and it will be tough for Niagara to stop. The Purple Eagles are winless this season and are on a three-game losing streak. Niagara has also allowed four of more goals four times this year.

Prediction: Penn State wins 

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