No. 2 Michigan State at New Hampshire: Preview, Prediction and Where to Watch

WHO: No. 2 Michigan State Spartans (3-0, 0-0) at New Hampshire Wildcats (2-1-1, 0-1)

WHERE: Whittemore Center at Key Auto Group Complex — Durham, N.H.

WHEN: Friday, October 23, at 7 p.m. ET; Saturday, October 24, at 7 p.m. ET

WATCH: ESPN+ (both games)

The No. 2-ranked Spartans enter their second consecutive week on the road after taking care of business against RIT last weekend. Although the score remained close through two periods, Michigan State pulled away in the third, scoring three goals to secure a 5-1 victory and improve to 3-0 to start the season.

Led by Big Ten Third Star of the Week Joshua Ravensbergen, the Spartans' defense has been outstanding to open the season. Michigan State has allowed just four goals through its first three games, thanks in large part to the first-round pick, who has showcased cat-like reflexes between the pipes.

The Spartans also boast some of the top defensive talent in the nation. First-round picks Chase Reid and Tommy Bleyl, combined with the veteran presence of Patrick Geary and Matt Lahey, have made it extremely difficult for opposing offenses to generate quality scoring opportunities.

And when opponents do manage to get a shot on goal, Ravensbergen has been waiting, looking as cool as a cucumber and ready to turn them away.

Michigan State's offense has been just as impressive, with its mix of freshmen and veterans scoring 16 goals through the first three games, an average of 5.3 goals per contest.

Anthony Romani has burst onto the scene with four goals in the opening three games. Ryker Lee and freshman Jack Hextall have added two goals apiece.

Eric Nilson and Reid lead the Spartans with four assists each, while Romani and Lee have contributed three assists apiece.

With a defense that has been difficult to crack, a goaltender playing at a high level and an offense averaging more than five goals per game, Michigan State has established itself as a team to watch early in the season.

The Wildcats enter the weekend riding a two-game winning streak after defeating Colgate in both contests last weekend by a combined score of 7-2.

After dropping their first two games, New Hampshire needed a bounce-back performance and delivered. The Wildcats opened their season against No. 7 Quinnipiac, one of the nation's top teams, but were overwhelmed in a 10-1 loss.

New Hampshire responded against Merrimack, battling to a 3-3 tie before ultimately falling in a shootout. However, the Wildcats bounced back again against Colgate, earning consecutive victories to improve to 2-1-1 on the season.

Now, New Hampshire will look to carry that momentum into a challenging weekend against one of the top teams in college hockey.

Nick Ring and Mason Zebeski lead the Wildcats with three goals apiece. Ring and Ryan Johnson are also tied for the team lead in assists with three each.

Ring, in particular, will be a player for Michigan State to watch. As one of New Hampshire's top offensive threats, he could become the biggest thorn in the Spartans' side if the Wildcats hope to pull off an upset.

However, New Hampshire faces a difficult challenge against a Michigan State team that has excelled at both ends of the ice to begin the season.

Michigan State enters the weekend with plenty of momentum after its strong start, and the Spartans have the defensive stability and offensive firepower to make this a difficult series for the Wildcats.

New Hampshire has shown it can bounce back from adversity, but Michigan State's balanced attack and the early-season play of Ravensbergen give the Spartans a significant advantage.

Friday: Michigan State 4, New Hampshire 2

Saturday: Michigan State 3, New Hampshire 0