The conference is back to its traditional schedule of three conference matchups and a team on a bye – this time its Wisconsin. Some interesting matchups are on tap as Michigan State looks to pull away from the resting Badgers against their in-state rival, Michigan. Penn State also goes on the road to Notre Dame for what could be a key series in determining who gets home-ice advantage in the first round of the conference tournament.  

As expected, I aced the non-conference matchups (thanks to the Badgers for winning the shootout), and correctly predicted an Ohio State win (which deserves an award itself). But with the return of conference play comes the return of unpredictability. It was a good ride while it lasted. 

Last week’s results: 9-1 Season Total: 87-27

Michigan vs Michigan State

This is a rare home-and-home series on the same weekend due to a a game in Detroit later in the season so it’ll be interesting to see how the teams handle the quick turnaround and travel. Michigan State is still an elite team, but Michigan is well-rested and coming off a confidence-building performance against Stonehill last week. I think the Spartans get the sweep, but neither game will be a blowout. Prediction: Michigan State 2-0

Ohio State at Minnesota

Before the holiday break, the Buckeyes split with the Gophers and have been playing better hockey since then. I’m still not sold on Minnesota as a great team, but they’re better than Ohio State on paper and on the ice. Their inconsistency is what worries me – they’re just absent for long stretches of play. Take the Gophers to win both games, but the Bucks will give them all they can handle. Prediction: Minnesota 2-0

Penn State at Notre Dame

The Irish ran their conference losing streak to six before beating Ohio State Saturday and Penn State got exposed by Michigan State all weekend so neither team is coming in with momentum. These teams are pretty evenly matched – the Nittany Lions have the better offense, but the goaltending edge goes to Notre Dame. Expect a tight-checking game and the scoreboard to be even tighter with each team claiming a victory. Prediction: Split 1-1