After Michigan defeated Michigan State on Friday night, the Spartans turned the tables on Saturday, defeating the Wolverines in the Duel in the D. The Spartans reclaimed the Iron D trophy, leaving Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato searching for answers, and prompting questions if this rivalry game will make the NCAA tournament harder for the Wolverines. Michigan, currently ranked #7 in the nation, is hoping to make a deep tournament run this year, but needs to solidify its standing.
Key Takeaways
- After a Friday night win, Michigan fell to Michigan State on Saturday, failing to secure the Iron D trophy.
- Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato admitted the Spartans were faster and beat them to the puck.
- Michigan, currently 16-8-2 overall, looks to rebound against Penn State in a crucial Big Ten series.
- Michigan State, with a 16-9-2 record, gets a bye week before hosting Notre Dame, hoping to continue their momentum.
Did Michigan Underestimate Michigan State’s Urgency?
Following the game, Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato addressed the media, candidly discussing his team’s defeat inside Little Caesars Arena. Naurato acknowledged, “I don’t think the score was what it was. They were faster and beat us to the puck.” He added, “We focused on urgency and playing tough. Just didn’t work out.” The Wolverines, who entered the weekend series with a strong 16-7-2 record, now stand at 16-8-2.
Some analysts believe Michigan State’s hunger for the Iron D trophy fueled their performance. “Rivalry games always come down to who wants it more,” said ESPN college hockey analyst John Buccigross. “Michigan State clearly elevated their game on Saturday, while Michigan might have been complacent after the Friday win.” According to USCHO’s latest poll, Michigan is currently ranked #7, and Michigan State is unranked, further highlighting the upset. With only a few weeks left in the regular season, every game carries significant weight for teams vying for NCAA Tournament berths.
Can Michigan Rebound Against Penn State?
Michigan will quickly need to put this loss behind them as they face Penn State in another pivotal Big Ten series. Penn State, with a record of 16-11-1, will be a difficult opponent. The Wolverines are currently fighting for a top seed in the Big Ten tournament, and strong performances against Penn State will be crucial. “This is a character test for Michigan,” added Buccigross. “How they respond to this loss will define their season.”
Michigan State, on the other hand, enjoys a bye week before hosting Notre Dame. With a current record of 16-9-2, the Spartans will be looking to build off the momentum from their Iron D victory. Their coach Adam Nightingale has the team playing with energy. “Great game for college hockey,” Naurato remarked. “This is an amazing opportunity for our sport and youth hockey in this state to steal some eyes.” The Big Ten hockey standings remain tight, with several teams vying for playoff positioning.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Michigan Wolverines: 16-8-2 overall, ranked #7 in the nation, seeking a strong finish to secure an NCAA tournament bid.
- Michigan State Spartans: 16-9-2 overall, winners of the Duel in the D, looking to build momentum for the remainder of the season.
- Brandon Naurato: Head Coach of the Michigan Wolverines, aiming to guide his team to a Big Ten title and NCAA Tournament success.
- Penn State Nittany Lions: 16-11-1 overall, upcoming opponent for Michigan, a key series for Big Ten standings.
What This Means
- For Michigan fans: The Wolverines need to quickly regroup and focus on the upcoming series against Penn State to maintain their position in the Big Ten standings and improve their NCAA tournament chances. With the NCAA tournament looming, every game is crucial.
- For Michigan State fans: The Iron D victory provides a significant boost in confidence and momentum as they prepare to host Notre Dame. A strong finish to the season could propel them into contention for an NCAA tournament berth.
- For College Hockey fans: The Big Ten conference remains highly competitive, with several teams vying for playoff spots. The Michigan-Penn State series and Michigan State’s games against Notre Dame will be critical in shaping the conference standings.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
Disclosure: Trending Society provides sports analysis for entertainment purposes. Not betting or fantasy advice.
