No. 4 Michigan State vs No. 2 Wisconsin: How to Watch and Predictions

WHO: No. 4 Michigan State Spartans (15-5, 6-4) vs No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers (15-3-2, 8-2)

WHERE: Kohl Center — Madison, WI

WHEN: Thursday 9 PM EST / Friday 8 PM EST

WATCH: Friday — Big Ten Network / Saturday — BTN+

Revenge is a dish served cold.

This Thursday and Friday, the Spartans will be looking to serve up a fresh dish of cold revenge as No. 4 Michigan State heads to Madison to take on the No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin came to East Lansing back in November and swept the Spartans. At the time, Michigan State was ranked No. 1 in the nation while Wisconsin sat at No. 4.

Now, with the rankings nearly flipped and a chance for the Spartans to return the favor, the taste of defeat still lingers in Michigan State’s mouth. Expect the Spartans to do everything they can to get even.

The history of this rivalry dates back over 60 years to the 1964–65 season. Michigan State won the first seven meetings, and the rivalry was off and running from there. The two programs have met 140 times, with Michigan State holding the all-time series lead, 70-66-4.

Of course, Wisconsin has taken the most recent two games, sweeping the Spartans in East Lansing with a 5-4 win on November 21 and a 2-1 overtime victory on November 22.

The Spartans boast one of the best defenses in the nation, paired with one of the top goaltenders in college hockey. Michigan State ranks No. 1 nationally in goals against per game (1.75), having allowed just 35 goals all season. That defensive wall is the backbone of everything the Spartans do.

While Michigan State features several NHL draftees — including multiple first-round picks — the scoring numbers don’t jump off the page. The Spartans rank 14th nationally with 70 goals in 20 games, which isn’t exactly alarming but does show where they lean. MSU has scoring depth, but often relies on its top producers to finish chances.

Captain Porter Martone sits sixth in the nation in goals per game (.78), scoring 14 goals in just 18 games — keep in mind he missed two games while competing in the WJHC. Charlie Stramel is tied for 15th nationally, averaging .60 goals per game with 12 goals in 20 contests.

Michigan State enters this series coming off a brutal loss to Ohio State in the second game of last weekend’s series. That defeat dropped the Spartans two spots, from No. 2 to No. 4, while Wisconsin moved up from third to second. With Michigan continuing to handle business in Big Ten play, neither team can afford to give ground, making this series even more compelling.

Speaking of those pesky Badgers from Madison — a team that still boils my blood after the sweep we endured two months ago. But like my ex-girlfriend, I can hold a grudge for a very long time — and so can the Spartans.

Wisconsin is led offensively by Quinn Finley, who enters the series ranked 25th nationally in goals per game (.56) with 10 goals in 18 games. Christian Fitzgerald joins him, tied for 35th in the nation at .50 goals per game, also with 10 goals on the season.

The Badgers wouldn’t be ranked No. 2 with a non-prolific offense if they didn’t have confidence between the pipes. Daniel Hauser currently sits second nationally with a .837 winning percentage, posting a 13-2-2 record this season. That said, teams have been able to find the back of the net against Wisconsin, as the Badgers rank 16th in team goals against per game (2.40), allowing 48 goals in 20 games.

Winning became the motto in Madison following the sweep of the Spartans, as Wisconsin rattled off five wins in its next six games. Their lone loss came against No. 7 Western Michigan in the championship game of the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off.

These games will be tight, tough, and epic — all rolled into a 24-hour stretch featuring two top-five teams.

It doesn’t get much better than this if you’re a college hockey fan, or a Spartan or Badger supporter in general.

It would be hard to believe the Spartans don’t come out with grit and attitude, looking to wash away not only last weekend’s loss to Ohio State, but also the lingering stench of defeat from this very Wisconsin team.

Friday:

Michigan State — 4

Wisconsin — 3

Saturday:

Michigan State — 1

Wisconsin — 0