Michigan Hockey: Big Ten Tournament -- Michigan State

Posted at 10:00am — 3/19/2015

Michigan Wolverine Hockey: Big Ten Tournament — Michigan State

What: B1G Ten Hockey Tournament
When: Thursday-Saturday March 19th-21st
Where: Joe Louis Arena, Detroit
#4 Penn State (18-14-4) vs. #5 Ohio State (13-18-3) Thursday @ 4:30 p.m. Winner vs. #1 Minnesota (21-12-3) 4:30 p.m. Friday.
#3 Michigan (20-14-0) vs. #6 Wisconsin (4-25-5) Thursday @ 8 p.m. Winner vs. #2 MSU (17-15-2) 8:00 p.m. Friday.

Championship Game 8 p.m. Saturday.
TV/Radio: Thursday/ Friday/Saturday: BTN
WTKA 1050 a.m. with Al Randall & Bill Trainor. www.mgoblue.com

Handicapping The B1G Ten Tournament Field

#2 Michigan State (17-15-2)

More from Michigan Wolverines News

The Spartans are rolling, winning 10 of their past 13 leagues games to swipe 2nd place in a weak B1G Ten conference. They lean heavily on B1G Ten Player of the Year and First Team B1G Ten goaltender Jake Hildebrand (17-15-2, 2.124 GAA, .930 save %.) Hildebrand led the conference in shutouts and other statistics and the Spartans are the best defensive team in the conference. They seldom drift from their neutral zone trap and forecheck the offensive zone heavily disrupting any opponent’s offensive flow. When they counterattack, it is usually led by senior Matt Berry (11-17-28), sophomore Mackenzie MacEachern (11-14-25) and junior Captain Michael Ferrantino (12-11-23). Second Team defenseman Travis Walsh (2-12-14) anchors a big blueline corps. Freshman defender Josh Jacobs also took All-Freshman Team honors.

Consensus: The Spartans are comfortable playing at JLA and it should lend an advantage having their fans present, especially if the semi-final round match-up features the Wolverines. The secret to beating the Spartans is patience on offense- especially since scoring first and keeping the lead is a necessity. MSU changes their attack when they are behind and it allows for better and more frequent opportunities to penetrate their goaltending. Couple that with MSU’s weak offense (42nd) and it usually factors in victory.

Michigan Wolverines /

Michigan Wolverines

Fall behind to the Spartans and they immediately close up ranks and protect their lead. Michigan is 3-2 vs. MSU this season and in the three wins they scored first, disrupted Hildebrand’s rhythm, either remained tied or kept the lead and never allowed MSU to settle into their system. In the two (2-1) losses, MSU scored first (or re-took the lead in the third period in both games) and held on for the win. Wisconsin is 1-3 versus the Spartans, suffering shutouts in three of the four games. If the Badgers advance, MSU will be heavily favored to squeeze out another win.

If Michigan advances the game will again feature the Wolverine’s high powered offense against the Spartans and Hildebrand. For all the praise that the Spartan netminder has received, he is only 25th best statistically in the country. He has sparkled in some games and is above average in most. Overall, though, the Spartans rely on their 12th ranked defense (2.24 GPG) and 17th ranked penalty kill to compliment their goaltending.

X-Factors: Hildebrand is as good as it gets when he is focused and his team doesn’t abandon him defensively like they have during parts of the season. MSU’s offense is their weakness and falling behind (they have one win all season after being behind after two periods) has impeded their success this season.

More from GBMWolverine

If you want to comment on this article please visit our GBMWolverine Message Board and gives us your thoughts and read what others comment.

Just a reminder, you have to be a member to take part on the GBMWolverine Message Board. Here is the link GBMWolverine Register for those readers interested in becoming a member of the GBMWolverine Message Board.

If you have any questions about the site, an article, or just want to send us a comment please contact us at our e-mail address: GBMWolverine E-Mail

Written by GBMWolverine Staff — Yostmeister

Go Blue — Wear Maize!

Home/Michigan Wolverines News