This weekend features a mix of in-conference and out-of-conference series. Michigan plays Penn State and Ohio State faces Michigan State in the two Big Ten series, while Wisconsin hosts Alaska and the Gophers play in the North Star College Cup. The out-of-conference series are pretty big for Big Ten teams in the pairwise, since they struggled earlier in non-conference play.

Michigan against Penn State will probably be the most exciting series, with two powerful offenses facing off. This weekend will also be a huge test for the Gophers, who haven’t faced much of a test recently – especially out of conference.

Michigan vs. Penn State: Jan. 28 at 7:07 p.m.; Jan. 30 at 7:07 p.m.

After a one-week hiatus, the Wolverines resume their season against Penn State, This is the first meeting between both teams, giving the Nittany Lions their biggest defensive test of the year. While freshman forward Cooper Marody is out due to illness, the Wolverines still have the third-best scorer in the country in Kyle Conner. Michigan, which hasn’t lost in six games, averages 4.86 goals per game.

Penn State is an offensive powerhouse of its own, averaging 4.35 goals per game. This is an issue for the Wolverines, as Michigan’s defense is ranked 43rd in the country. Penn State has done fairly well with its netminding rotation of Eamon McAdam and Matthew Skoff this year. The Nittany Lions are 3-2 in their last five games.

It’s hard to predict this one, since Penn State’s offense isn’t explosive in the same way Ohio State’s is. But, Michigan’s defense will have a challenge in keeping Penn State out of the net. Penn State might have the edge in this defensivley.

Prediction: Series split

Ohio State vs. Michigan State: Jan. 29 at 6:35 p.m.; Jan. 30 at 7:05 p.m.

After defeating Penn State, the Buckeyes continue their home stand against Michigan State. The Spartans have really struggled this year, both offensively and defensively. Even Jake Hildebrand’s play hasn’t helped much – the Spartans allow 3.62 goals per game, tied for 51st. There isn’t much structure to the team this season, and the offseason departures (especially Josh Jacobs’) have really hurt.

The Buckeyes, meanwhile, have been one of the better teams in the Big Ten. After falling in close games to tough opponents earlier in the season, the Buckeyes have added some consistency and are now starting to win. It doesn’t hurt that the Buckeyes – which average 3.32 goals per game – have an explosive offense.

It’s doubtful the Spartan defense can keep up with the Buckeye offense.

Prediction: Ohio State sweeps

Wisconsin vs. Alaska: Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. CT; Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. CT

The Badgers have a non-conference series this weekend, hosting Alaska for two games. Wisconsin is on a six-game winless streak and has really struggled lately. TheBadgers were without freshman sensation Luke Kunin last Saturday, one of the better players on the team.

Alaska has split its last few series and has three wins in the last eight games. Tyler Morley has 22 points, while Jesse Jenks and Davis Jones have split goaltending duties. Jenks has a .920 save percentage.

While the Badgers have shown glimpses of being a better team than last year, last weekend looked like more than a setback. It wasn’t just the score, but the way the Badgers played, that was alarming.

Prediction: Alaska sweeps

Minnesota vs. Bemidji State/TBA: Jan. 31 at 4 p.m. CT; Jan. 31 at 4 p.m. CT (North Star College Cup)

The Gophers continue with their last non-conference games of the season. Minnesota, on a five-game winning streak, will host Bemidji in the first game of the North Star College Cup. Bemidji State recently tied and lost to Ferris State, snapping a six-game unbeaten streak. But the Beavers have struggled against good teams this year. Gerry Fitzgerald has 20 points, while Michael Bitzer has a .915 save percentage.

Minnesota will either face Minnesota State or St. Cloud State. The Mavericks are first in the WCHA and have 13 wins this season. Teddy Blueger has 21 points for the Mavericks. The Huskies are also first in their conference, leading the NCHC. Kalle Kossila is one of the top scorers in the country with 32 points. Earlier in this season, the Gophers struggled against in-state competition.

Prediction: Minnesota State beats Minnesota in the championship game

Thursday, January 28th, 2016 - 9:43 am | Big Ten, Blogs, Notes, Thoughts, Ramblings