The Notre Dame hockey team is gearing up for a key series against #4/3 Michigan State in East Lansing this weekend. After a split series against Michigan, the Irish look to improve their season record of 5-5-0. Puck drops for the first game at 7 PM on Friday, followed by an 8 PM start on Saturday, both streamed on B1G+. This series presents a critical opportunity for the Irish to capture momentum before heading into the latter half of the season.

By the Numbers
  • Owen Say boasts a .953 save percentage, ranking third in the nation.
  • Notre Dame centers lead the nation with a 60.8% faceoff win rate, with Danny Nelson recording 76 wins.
Yes, But

Despite their strong start, the Irish have had difficulty against Michigan State in recent meetings, having won only 1 out of their last 4 encounters. Historical performance shows Michigan State leading in all-time matchups (77-53-16), putting pressure on Notre Dame to perform well in this series.

State of Play
  • The Irish have returned 19 players from last season, including key scorers Danny Nelson and Cole Knuble.
  • Notre Dame swept their opening weekend against St. Lawrence and Clarkson, showcasing a strong offensive start.
What's Next

Winning this series against Michigan State could significantly boost Notre Dame's confidence and standings in the league. The Irish will need to adapt their strategy to overcome their recent shortcomings against the Spartans.

Bottom Line

For Notre Dame, securing victories this weekend is crucial not only for their season trajectory but also for regaining momentum against a historically formidable opponent. This series could define their competitiveness moving forward in the season.