Men’s College Hockey series of the week: No.2 Michigan State vs. No.1 Michigan

The Big Ten has blessed us with a rematch of the best two teams in the nation. Battle for the superiority of one state. This weekend, after a split in the first series, we may once and for all find out who would win in a fight: Spartan or Wolverine.

Michigan State is on a roll heading into its second series against Michigan. Sparty currently boasts a 21-5-0 overall record and a 12-4-0 record in Big Ten Conference play. Michigan State’s biggest wins have come over Boston University, Wisconsin, and, just this past weekend, the Spartans were able to secure a season sweep over Penn State, which was capped off with a 5-4 overtime win in Beaver Stadium.

A statistical offensive onslaught has been one of the keys to Michigan State's success. Senior forward Charlie Stramel leads the team in goals with 16 and points with 35. Stramel, especially in the second series against Penn State, played the role of a bully and got under the skin of many Nittany Lions.

Not too far behind Stramel is freshman phenom and Philadelphia Flyers 2025 first-round draft pick, Porter Martone. Martone, who has one fewer goal than Stramel (15) and one fewer point (34), is tied with Stramel for the team lead in assists with 19. On top of these statistics, Martone, like Stramel, plays a gritty, physical game to complement his immense skill, making him one of the most penalized and agitating players in college hockey.

Between the pipes, the Spartans have one of the best. Junior, and former World Junior Goaltender for Team USA, Trey Augustine, ranks third in the nation in save percentage (.934), fourth nationally in goals against average (1.874) and fourth nationally in goalie winning percentage (.792). Not much more needs to be said about Augustine.

The Michigan Wolverines are the number one team in the country for good reason. The Wolverines currently boast a 22-4 overall record and a 13-3 record in the Big Ten. While the Wolverines have swept only one ranked opponent, Providence, they have claimed series wins against Western Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, and, most notably, Michigan State.

Michigan has a litany of offensive stars that have contributed to the team's No.1 ranking. In the driver’s seat is senior forward TJ Hughes. Hughes leads the Wolverines in assists with 25 and points with 38.

In Michigan’s most recent series against Ohio State, Hughes showed off his ability to make flashy passes that paid off, along with his ability to score off of rebounds.

I have two words for you: Will Horcoff. The 2025 Pittsburgh Penguins first-round draft selection has been on a tear this season and leads the Wolverines in goals with 20, which is seven more than Hughes, who ranks second on the roster.

Horcoff presents a unique combination of skill and IQ that makes him nearly unstoppable. Particularly in Michigan’s first game against Notre Dame this season, Horcoff displayed immaculate net-front presence and a deadly one-timer.

Michigan’s goaltender is no slouch either. Despite only being a freshman, Jack Ivankovic ranks nationally in save percentage (.927- 7th overall), goals against average (1.922- 5th overall) and goalie winning percentage (.810- 3rd overall).

If the Spartans want to claim the sweep this weekend, then they need to start fast. In their most recent series against Penn State, fast starts gave the Spartans the edge to fend off comeback attempts by the Nittany Lions in both games.

In addition, if Augustine continues to play his game, goals will be very difficult to come by for the Wolverines.

For Michigan to maintain its king of college hockey status, the answer is simple: continue to rely on your superstars. Outside of Hughes and Horcoff, players like Michael Hage, Jayden Perron and Adam Valentini have been able to make significant marks on the offensive stat sheet.

Game one of the series is set to start at 7:00 on Friday, February 6th, in Ann Arbor at Yost Ice Arena, the home of the Michigan Wolverines. That game will be broadcast on FS1. Game two will be played in Detroit at Little Caesars Arena, home of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. Puckdrop for that game is set for 6:30 the day following the game, and it will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.

Max Malec is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email mvm7264@psu.edu.