Around the Big Ten hockey: Week of Jan. 16

Last week we witnessed some outstanding performances in the Big Ten conference and some thrilling action between some huge rivalries in not just the Big Ten but in all of college hockey.

Let's take a look into who emerged as the top team in the Big Ten conference after this week's action.

Michigan State Spartans

It was a tough weekend series for the Michigan State Spartans after getting dominated on their home ice by their in-state rival Michigan by a score of 7-1.

After a loss, they did however get a win in a very high-scoring game in the final game of the series 7-5, but are very disappointed in their goalie play from Trey Augustine who has been very consistent this season.

Their next series will not be any easier than the last as they will face off against a very tough Minnesota team at home.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish had a very successful weekend with two big wins over Penn State and were rewarded by moving back into the college hockey rankings at No. 20.

They have had a very mediocre season so far with a .500 record at 13-13-2 on the season and they look to establish themselves as a top team in the country once again down the stretch with big matchups ahead.

They will have this weekend off to prepare for two big matchups against the top two teams in the Big Ten Michigan State and Wisconsin.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are starting to climb up the rankings again as they jump up to No.9 in the polls after a weekend series sweep versus the Ohio State Buckeyes

They were led by their senior forward Rhett Pitlick who had a goal in the first game and a hat trick in the second game of the series.

The Golden Gophers will have a big matchup this weekend versus the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans on the road in East Lansing.

Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin Badgers have been the best team in the Big Ten thus far in the season and arguably the best team in the country.

This past weekend they didn't have any games to play but they did benefit from the weekend off and moved into the No. 3 spot in the rankings.

This weekend they will have a huge game coming off the break on the road against the No. 14 Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor.

Christian Holtzapple is a fourth-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cmh7064@psu.edu