It was a big-ish weekend for the Big Ten as the conference went 4-2-1 last weekend. Here is your quick recap of Big Ten teams last weekend.
Penn State vs. Niagara (1-1) Tie
Quite honestly, Penn State was lucky it didn't loose last Friday. After surrendering a poweprlay goal late in the second period, Penn State managed to tie things up on a powerplay strike of their own. Dylan Richard was the saving grace for the Nittany Lions as they avoid an embarrassing loss from a winless Atlantic Hockey team. Penn State is 0-1-2 in their last three games.
NEXT UP:
New Hampshire vs. Michigan State (5-0) & (7-4) MSU Sweep
Boy did MSU need this one. If you would have told me that the Spartans would sweep UNH and put up 12 goals while doing it, I would have looked at you and laughed. But sure enough, Michigan State put up a statement sweep on a team with legitimate Hockey East aspirations (not to mention a 4.5 GPG average). Four Spartans had multi-goal weekends and three freshmen scored their first collegiate goals.
After loosing three in a row, MSU has rebounded to win three straight. The next several weeks will determine if there is something more to this resolute group of Spartans.
NEXT GAME: at 2 Boston College
Minnesota vs. 18 Notre Dame (4-3)ND & (4-1)MIN Split
The Gophers traveled to South Bend for another battle of the Lucia's. The Fighting Irish took game one after the Gophers tied the game 3-3 thanks to two powerplay goals. Jordan Gross saved the day for Notre Dame with his game winning goal in the final two minutes of regulation.
Minnesota got their revenge on Saturday. After the first 40 minutes saw only two goals scored, the combatants entered the third period tied 1-1. Minnesota cut loose with 16 shots on goal and three unanswered tallies, the last of which was an empty netter.
It looks like Minnesota is finally starting to find their groove. They are still a ways away though from being back to their old selves.
NEXT SERIES: Minnesota State
Wisconsin vs. 1 North Dakota (3-1)WIS & (3-1)UND Split
This was perhaps the craziest win of the non-conferance scheduled. No one in their right mind would expect 2-3-3 Wisconsin to march into Grand Forks and walk out with a win. The recent controversy surrounding Badger freshman Luke Kunin and the rumors he may, or may not, be leaving for the OHL didn't help maters for UW. But still the Badgers defied the odds and knocked off the mighty NoDak with Kunin himself getting the game winner.
Of course UND exacted vengeance the following night, but the damage was done, number one had fallen. This leaves Wisconsin in an unusual position. The fans in Madison are still restless, but the Badgers have the best win in college hockey. Keep an eye on these Badgers, they may not be as toothless as you think.
NEXT: Off Week
12 Michigan OFF
NEXT GAME: Niagara
Ohio State OFF
NEXT SERIES: Canisius
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