After two series that proved to be tougher than expected, the No. 3/4 Michigan Wolverines hockey team should get a reprieve this weekend in the form of an in-state rival.
Since the Big Ten began sponsoring hockey in 2013-14, Michigan State has been the weakest team in the conference. The Spartans haven’t had a winning season since 2011-12, which was also the last time they appeared in an NCAA Tournament. They’ve posted a winning record in Big Ten play just once, in 2014-15. After coach Danton Cole’s first three seasons appeared promising, MSU bottomed out last year and finished in the conference basement with a record of 7-18-2.