On Friday and Saturday, the Irish hockey team will take on Big Ten opponent and No. 1 team in the nation Michigan State at home. The puck drops at 7 p.m. for Friday’s matchup, and Saturday’s game starts at 6 p.m. in Compton Family Ice Arena for what is sure to be an electric series buzzing with the talent of the two teams.
The Irish came back to South Bend after a tough series against Minnesota last weekend. Notre Dame lost both games, being shut out Friday night 3-0 and falling 4-1 on Saturday. Although they did not secure the wins on the score sheet, the Irish kept penalty minutes to a minimum in both games, a facet of their play they needed to really hone in on to avoid giving up any unnecessary power-play goals. Notre Dame got outshot in both games, with 19 shots for the Irish and 34 for the Gophers in last Friday’s matchup. The Irish offense gained more momentum and confidence on Saturday, putting up 34 shots that were just bested by Minnesota’s 35.
The Irish have been playing an ironclad lineup of tough Big Ten teams, and as each game progresses, the Irish cohesion on the ice continues to grow. The team is proof of the “iron sharpens iron” mentality, and their grit and ability to play smart, detail-oriented hockey prove they belong in the Big Ten, the toughest collegiate hockey conference.
Michigan State has been steadily maintaining within the top three rankings all season, joined by No. 2 Michigan, whom the Irish played two weeks ago. The Spartans’ singular loss of the season came from their first game of regular-season play to New Hampshire, where they lost 4-3. Since then, they have won seven games in a row, with the best record in the nation at 7-1-0.
This past weekend, the Spartans hosted then No. 3 Penn State at home, securing the 2-1 win in overtime the first night and shutting out the powerhouse offensive line 5-0 Saturday night. Their play has been well-rounded and proven itself in tough spots, but their Big Ten play is just getting started.
This weekend is massive for the Irish, not just because they want a win, but because they have an opportunity to capitalize on the corrections and course adjustments they have been taking advantage of so far this season. Head coach Brock Sheahan prioritizes an offensive style of play but will have to rely on sturdy defense to keep both games against the Spartans within reach.
Notre Dame will host No. 1 Michigan State this Friday and Saturday for two thrilling matchups. The Irish have proven they do not like to be counted out early against top-ranked teams, and this weekend is the chance the Irish need to prove hockey has a home here in South Bend.
