Lansing Sun

No. 2 Michigan State is set to host No. 4 Minnesota in a crucial Big Ten hockey series at Munn Ice Arena this weekend. The Spartans, with a record of 19-3-2, will face the Gophers, who stand at 19-5-2. The two teams are neck and neck in the Big Ten standings, with Minnesota trailing by just one point.

The games are scheduled for Friday, January 24 at 7 pm and Saturday, January 25 at 6 pm. Tickets can be purchased through MSU's official ticket reselling app, Seat Geek. Saturday's game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network with Ben Holden providing play-by-play commentary and Fred Pletsch offering analysis. Radio coverage will be available on WJIM 1240 AM with Scott Moore and Rob Woodward calling the action.

Both teams bring strong offensive and defensive records into the matchup. "Minnesota and MSU enter the games as the top two offenses as well as the top two defenses in the Big Ten," according to game notes provided by Michigan State University (MSU). The Gophers lead nationally with an average of 4.08 goals per game while MSU averages 3.42 goals per game.

Key players for MSU include Charlie Stramel, Isaac Howard, and Daniel Russell who have collectively scored 50 points over their last thirteen games together. Stramel recently earned Big Ten Second Star of the Week honors following his performance against Michigan.

Additionally, Karsen Dorwart and Joey Larson have shown consistent form over recent games alongside Gavin O'Connell. Matt Basgall also made notable contributions in a recent win over Michigan.

Goalie Trey Augustine remains a standout performer for MSU with impressive statistics including a .932 save percentage and being ranked second in shutouts within the league.

The upcoming series promises to be competitive as both teams aim to strengthen their positions within the conference standings.