This weekend sees all of the Big Ten teams back in action with two conference matchups and three non-conference series. The Wolverines finally join the fun again after being off for more than a month as they host Stonehill and it’ll be interesting to see if there’s any rust on their blades. 

Another perfect week for me and we have surpassed the century-mark for games played this season, meaning this record is not a fluke. The first half of the season, though, is always loaded with non-conference matchups which are easier to predict. Hopefully I can keep this momentum going as conference play heats up down the stretch.

Last week’s results: 7-0 Season Total: 78-26

Stonehill at Michigan

If the Wolverines are going to need a ramp-up period after their layoff, they couldn’t have asked for a better opponent to play this weekend. The Skyhawks of Stonehill are winless on the season (that’s right, 0-19) and most of them have not been close. Even if Michigan has an off-night or weekend, they’ll have no problem taking care of business. Take Michigan in a sweep and bet the over. Prediction: Michigan 2-0

Robert Morris at Minnesota

The Golden Gophers are coming off a short week after playing Colorado College on Sunday and Monday, but that should be a non-issue in this matchup. Robert Morris is a few tiers down from the level of play in the Big Ten and won’t be able to hang with the Gophers, especially inside Mariucci. Prediction: Minnesota 2-0

Lindenwood at Wisconsin

Wisconsin is in the middle of a nine-game win streak, returning home, and Lindenwood has a goals-against problem. This series could get very ugly, but also has the capability of being a trap for the Badgers. They must remain focused and not overlook the opponent, something they’ve had no problem doing this year. Prediction: Wisconsin 2-0

Michigan State at Penn State

The Spartans are back in action for the first time since losing in a shootout in the Great Lakes Invitational championship. They were great before the holiday break and will likely be great after, but with Penn State coming off that four-goal comeback against Army last week and this game being in Happy Valley, I don’t think Michigan State will sweep. Prediction: Split 1-1

Notre Dame at Ohio State

This matchup was purposely placed at the bottom because it’s practically a battle for the basement. These two teams are holding the last two spots in this week’s Power Rankings and, with a strong performance, Ohio State has the chance to overtake the Irish. The Buckeyes are a play-one-way type of team and have trouble adapting and the Irish are a great team for seven minutes a game so it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out. Prediction: Split 1-1