This weekend features just two Big Ten series, as the Wolverines and Spartans take the weekend off for exhibition games against the NTDP. The Badgers host the Gophers in the border battle, while Penn State travels to Ohio State. This is the last Big Ten matchup for Minnesota until February, as the Gophers take a break from conference play for the North Star College Cup.

Entering the weekend, Minnesota and Michigan are tied for first place. Penn State is third, Ohio State and Wisconsin are tied for fourth and Michigan State is last.

Wisconsin vs. Minnesota: Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. CT; Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. CT

The Gophers travel to rival Wisconsin for the first installment of the border battle. Minnesota is on a three-game winning streak, defeating Michigan State and Penn State recently. Leon Bristedt and Hudson Fasching both lead the team with 22 goals. One of Minnesota’s strong points has been goaltending, with Eric Schierhorn taking over. The freshman has played in 21 games and holds a  .911 save percentage.

Wisconsin’s freshman netminder, Matt Jurusik, isn’t bad either. Through 19 games, Jurusik has a .901 save percentage – but he quickly established himself as the team’s starter. Grant Besse and Luke Kunin each have 18 points. The Badgers, who are on a four-game winless streak,  have just four wins this season. But they’re a much better team than their record indicates, and could give Minnesota trouble this weekend.

Prediction: Minnesota takes four of six points

Ohio State vs. Penn State: Jan. 22 a 7:05 p.m.; Jan. 23 at 7:05 p.m.

Ohio State continues Big Ten action after an impressive outing against Michigan – scoring 11 goals and earning a tie (shootout win) before an 8-6 loss. Nick Schilkey and David Gust each have 20 points for Ohio State.

Penn State just tied and defeated Wisconsin over the weekend. The Nittany Lions have a good overall record, but as I’ve mentioned before, their schedule hasn’t been very difficult. The Nittany Lions haven’t really faced an offense as powerful as Ohio State’s, and it could give them trouble. Penn State did defeat Minnesota in overtime, though.

Prediction: Series split

Friday, January 22nd, 2016 - 10:43 am | Big Ten, Blogs, Notes, Thoughts, Ramblings