With just eight regular season games left Michigan is getting ready to wrap up the regular season — and it needs some big wins if it wants to claim a Big Ten title.
The Wolverines currently sit in fifth place in the conference (keep in mind there are only seven teams) but are still ranked 11th nationally. Michigan has two games remaining against Michigan State (1-1 on the season), Penn State (1-1 on the season), Notre Dame (1-1 on the season), and Minnesota (1-1 on the season). The Big Ten tournament is set for March 8th through 23rd. Unfortunately, Michigan State currently leads the conference and is favored to take home the hardware. Hopefully, Michigan (or somebody else) can swing an upset to take home first place and guarantee and a national tournament invite.
Much like in football and basketball, Michigan has also dominated the Buckeyes on the ice. The two teams have matched up four times this season with three going Michigan’s way and Ohio State edging themselves to one win in an overtime thriller. The Buckeyes are the last-ranked team in the conference and the only one with less than a .500 win percentage. Tough year to be a Buckeye. Maybe baseball will be their sport this year!
The Wolverines are led by a high-powered offense that averages the second most goals per game in college hockey a 4.65 per contest. Michigan has six players with double-digit goals on the season but is led by Dylan Duke with 16 goals and 33 total points. The point leader of the team is Rutger McGroarty with 35 (10-25).
The squad has a solid defense that is averaging 2.92 goals per game, good for 30th best in the nation. The effort is spearheaded by goalie Jake Barczewski who has a record of 12-8-3 with a save percentage of .910. Backup Noah West has three starts and a record of 2-1 with a save percentage of .897.
Michigan’s next matchup is a double-header against Michigan State on February 9-10.