Rivalry ignites as top-ranked Michigan and No. 2 Michigan State clash in a pivotal, must-watch hockey series. Expect intense competition and breathtaking plays.
WHO: No. 2 Michigan State Spartans (21–5, 12–4) vs. No. 1 Michigan Wolverines (22–4, 13–3)
WHERE: Friday – Yost Ice Arena (Ann Arbor, MI) / Saturday – Little Caesars Arena (Detroit, MI)
WHEN: Friday at 7 PM EST / Saturday at 6:30 PM EST
WATCH: Friday – FS1 / Saturday – Big Ten Network
“I don’t hate you. I just don’t like that you exist.”
There’s no love lost between the Spartans and the Wolverines, with both teams fully understanding the stage that has been set for this weekend’s clash between two titans of college hockey.
This will be the second—and final—meeting between the two during the regular season, as a year that started quietly yet moved at a breakneck pace winds down toward its final games before playoff hockey arrives.
The first go-around showed just how razor-thin the margin is between these programs. In Game 1, Michigan went into East Lansing and stunned a packed Munn Ice Arena, striking early and methodically dismantling the Spartans in a 3–0 win. The following night, the scene shifted to Ann Arbor, where Wolverine fans were eager to witness a sweep. Instead, Michigan State flipped the script, refusing to be embarrassed twice and handing Michigan a 3–1 loss on its home ice.
Since that weekend, the two teams have combined for just one loss. Michigan has not lost since falling to MSU, while the Spartans’ lone blemish came against Ohio State in early January. That single result is all that separates them in both overall record and conference play, making this series as high-stakes as it gets. Both teams enter scorching hot, though the grind of the season is beginning to show as the schedule tightens with only three series remaining after this showdown.
This is the kind of rivalry clash you circle on the calendar. Regardless of your feelings about college hockey, these two games are must-watch TV. Edge-of-your-seat stuff from puck drop to final horn. Much like Alex Honnold scaling a sheer rock face, you may forget to breathe as these teams push each other to the limit.
Scoring
Scoring is the name of the game, and both teams feature some of the nation’s top finishers. Michigan is led by Will Horcoff, who ranks third nationally in goals per game, averaging 0.77 with 20 goals in 26 games. T.J. Hughes sits second on the Wolverines with 13 goals in 26 games, averaging a goal every two games.
For Michigan State, Porter Martone leads in goals per game with 15 goals in 24 games, tied for 10th nationally (0.625). Charlie Stramel leads the team in total goals, having not missed time for the World Juniors, with 16 goals in 26 games—good for a tie at 14th nationally (0.615).
As a team, Michigan sits atop the national leaderboard in scoring, pouring in 125 goals over 26 games (4.81 GPG). Michigan State isn’t far behind, ranking tied for seventh nationally with 95 goals (3.65 GPG).
Passing
Against two elite goaltenders, puck movement is essential—and both teams excel here as well. Michigan boasts two of the nation’s top eight players in assists per game. T.J. Hughes ranks second nationally with 25 assists in 26 games, while Michael Hage is tied for eighth with 23.
For the Spartans, Porter Martone leads the way with 19 assists in 24 games, ranking 17th nationally. Daniel Russell follows closely behind, tied for 20th with 20 assists in 26 games.
Goaltending
While Michigan holds the edge offensively, Michigan State may hold the key to the series between the pipes. Trey Augustine ranks fourth nationally with a 1.87 goals-against average and sits third in save percentage at .934. Michigan’s Jack Ivankovic is right behind, ranking fifth in GAA (1.92) and seventh in save percentage (.927).
As a team, the Spartans rank second nationally in goals allowed, giving up just 49 goals in 26 games (1.88 GAA). Michigan sits fifth, allowing 56 goals (2.15 GAA).
Prediction
These will be two of the most electric college hockey games we’ve seen in a long time. Expect scrums, hostility, highlight-reel saves, and goals that swing momentum in seconds. Both teams will need creativity to beat elite goaltending while staying true to their identities.
Both games feel like coin flips—so how do you predict a series this tight? Stay true to who you are.
Michigan State wins both games, and both go to overtime.
Friday – Ann Arbor (OT)
Michigan State 5
Michigan 4
Saturday – Detroit (OT)
Michigan State 3
Michigan 2