2013 - 2014 Big Ten Hockey Schedule
We've been waiting for this day - well, really not so much this day but the start of the season. In the meantime, we'll take this.
MSU's 2013 - 2014 Big Ten Hockey Schedule:
All games Friday-Saturday unless otherwise noted
December 6th-7th - vs. Minnesota
January 10th-11th - at Ohio State
January 17th-18th - vs. Penn State
January 24th -25th - vs. Michigan/at Michigan (JLA)
Thursday January 30th, January 31st, and/or February 1st - at Minnesota ***
February 7th-8th - vs. Ohio State
February 14th-15th - at Penn State
February 21st-22nd - at Wisconsin
March 7th - 8th - at Michigan/vs. Michigan
March 14th - 15th - vs. Wisconsin
The Big Ten will feature a 20 game schedule with complete home and home series for all six schools. Michigan is the home team at Joe Louis Arena this season, as MSU will host two games at Munn, and Michigan will host one game at Yost.
*** - Series will be played on January 30th/31st or January 31st/February 1st
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Ohio State Fires Coach Osiecki ....... Would they go after Gwozdecky?
Ever since Denver University somewhat surprised the college hockey world by letting George Gwozdecky go (all he did was win 2 national titles there and get DU back to being a national power), there has been a lot of speculation on what he might do next.
In an equally surprising move - Ohio State has let Coach Osiecki go
This is just thinking out loud - but could Ohio State be going after Gwozdecky next?
Coach Gwozdecky is 59 years old and has stated he's not done coaching yet.
I've always thought Ohio State was a sleeping giant in the college hockey world, only without the past. Ohio State has the resources to build a championship program, but they need to find the right guy to build it up, that can recruit - pulling in kids to Columbus.
Gwozdecky certainly has done that at Denver.
The timing certainly seems odd. It's not that Ohio State has dominated the CCHA or anything, but they have gone longer with other coaches before letting them go, and the results really haven't been much different. Is this a case of - they see a guy they feel they MUST have - and now they are going after him?
Could Columbus be his next stop?
In an equally surprising move - Ohio State has let Coach Osiecki go
This is just thinking out loud - but could Ohio State be going after Gwozdecky next?
Coach Gwozdecky is 59 years old and has stated he's not done coaching yet.
I've always thought Ohio State was a sleeping giant in the college hockey world, only without the past. Ohio State has the resources to build a championship program, but they need to find the right guy to build it up, that can recruit - pulling in kids to Columbus.
Gwozdecky certainly has done that at Denver.
The timing certainly seems odd. It's not that Ohio State has dominated the CCHA or anything, but they have gone longer with other coaches before letting them go, and the results really haven't been much different. Is this a case of - they see a guy they feel they MUST have - and now they are going after him?
Could Columbus be his next stop?
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
MSU All-Access Senior Night
It's been a few weeks since MSU was eliminated from the CCHA playoffs. In that time, we've seen conference champions crowned, and a Frozen Four field take shape. This year's Frozen Four (taking place next weekend) features three first timers (Mass.-Lowell, Quinnipiac, St. Cloud State) and Yale.
I'm still planning on taking a look back at the season that was, but in the meantime - here is the latest MSU all-access episode featuring senior night, as five seniors said good-bye.
Link to MSU All-Access Episode 9: Senior Night
I'm still planning on taking a look back at the season that was, but in the meantime - here is the latest MSU all-access episode featuring senior night, as five seniors said good-bye.
Link to MSU All-Access Episode 9: Senior Night
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Miami Eliminates MSU With Pair of 4-1 Victories
Game Recaps
Game 2 Boxscore // Game 2 Recap
Game 3 Boxscore (pending...) // Game 3 Recap (pending....)
Series Thoughts
The Spartans left it all on the ice this weekend, after a grueling trip and a stunning game 1 victory. It might not have been the ending they wanted, but it was a great step in the right direction for the program. This marks the last time MSU will play in the CCHA, as the next game will be part of the newly formed Big Ten conference.
MSU played very well this weekend, and earned that 3-0 victory in game 1. Miami came back and played much better on the second night, even despite MSU scoring early on in the game, and they showed why they are the CCHA champions. Still, the Spartans responded with a great effort on Sunday, a bad bounce led to the first goal, and Miami built a 2-0 lead, but the Spartans still did roll over. They continued to battle, even as Yanakeff came out to play in the 2nd period. The Spartans got a few power play opportunities and eventually got one in to pull within one. It would stay that way until about halfway through the third period when Miami finally got their breathing room back. After that the Spartans still tried to chip away, but Miami added an empty net goal to finish the scoring off.
Miami will continue to the CCHA semi-finals against Michigan next Saturday. Notre Dame will play Ohio State (funny for how much the Big Ten got knocked, but 4 of the 6 teams are still playing in their respective conference tournaments).
We'll have more thoughts as the off season continues, including a recap of the season, a look ahead to the Big Ten - though right now some time off to reflect seems appropriate. The underdog might not have won this weekend, but they showed the program is heading in the right direction.
Game 2 Boxscore // Game 2 Recap
Game 3 Boxscore (pending...) // Game 3 Recap (pending....)
Series Thoughts
The Spartans left it all on the ice this weekend, after a grueling trip and a stunning game 1 victory. It might not have been the ending they wanted, but it was a great step in the right direction for the program. This marks the last time MSU will play in the CCHA, as the next game will be part of the newly formed Big Ten conference.
MSU played very well this weekend, and earned that 3-0 victory in game 1. Miami came back and played much better on the second night, even despite MSU scoring early on in the game, and they showed why they are the CCHA champions. Still, the Spartans responded with a great effort on Sunday, a bad bounce led to the first goal, and Miami built a 2-0 lead, but the Spartans still did roll over. They continued to battle, even as Yanakeff came out to play in the 2nd period. The Spartans got a few power play opportunities and eventually got one in to pull within one. It would stay that way until about halfway through the third period when Miami finally got their breathing room back. After that the Spartans still tried to chip away, but Miami added an empty net goal to finish the scoring off.
Miami will continue to the CCHA semi-finals against Michigan next Saturday. Notre Dame will play Ohio State (funny for how much the Big Ten got knocked, but 4 of the 6 teams are still playing in their respective conference tournaments).
We'll have more thoughts as the off season continues, including a recap of the season, a look ahead to the Big Ten - though right now some time off to reflect seems appropriate. The underdog might not have won this weekend, but they showed the program is heading in the right direction.
Game 3 Live Blog - Michigan State vs. Miami CCHA Quarterfinals
Winner advances to Joe Louis Arena for the CCHA semis.
If Miami wins:
#1 Miami vs. #7 Michigan
#2 Notre Dame vs. #4 Ohio State/#5 Ferris State winner
If Michigan State wins:
#2 Notre Dame vs. #11 Michigan State
#4 Ohio State/#5 Ferris State winner vs. #7 Michigan
Join us at 7 pm for the live blog of game 3:
If Miami wins:
#1 Miami vs. #7 Michigan
#2 Notre Dame vs. #4 Ohio State/#5 Ferris State winner
If Michigan State wins:
#2 Notre Dame vs. #11 Michigan State
#4 Ohio State/#5 Ferris State winner vs. #7 Michigan
Join us at 7 pm for the live blog of game 3:
Friday, March 15, 2013
Believe? Underdog Spartans Stun Miami 3-0
Game 1 Box Score // MSU Recap
So, are you a believer yet?
Haven't won a playoff game since 2008. Check.
Haven't won a playoff series since 2007. Check.
Haven't beaten Miami in 7 games. Check.
Went to Alaska in 2 of their past 3 weekends. Check.
Didn't get back to East Lansing till late Monday after a difficult 3 game series. Check.
Had very limited practice time this week due to the schedule. Check.
Only won three road games all regular season. Check.
I will freely admit that I wasn't sure MSU had it in them this weekend to win a game. I will gladly eat crow tonight. The underdogs right now are very much alive. The Spartans went down to Miami and stunned the #1 seeded and #3 nationally ranked Miami Red Hawks 3-0. Jake Hildebrand stopped all 34 shots he faced for his second career shutout. Matt Deblouw and Matt Berry put Michigan State up 2-0 to stun the home crowd, and the defense and goaltending did the rest. Kevin Walrod would add an empty net goal with 56 seconds to go to finish the scoring.
This victory gave Michigan State its third road victory of the post season. They had three post season victories all season. It was actually a road warrior night as Michigan (over Western) and Ferris State (over Ohio State) also recorded road wins. Notre Dame was the only home team to hold serve, and they needed overtime to get the job done against Bowling Green.
This team continues to amaze in the post season. They really are showing what you can do with a second chance. But, they cannot be satisfied yet. They aren't to Joe Louis Arena yet, and you know Miami is going to kick it up a notch or ten tomorrow (and Sunday if need be).
So, are you a believer yet?
Haven't won a playoff game since 2008. Check.
Haven't won a playoff series since 2007. Check.
Haven't beaten Miami in 7 games. Check.
Went to Alaska in 2 of their past 3 weekends. Check.
Didn't get back to East Lansing till late Monday after a difficult 3 game series. Check.
Had very limited practice time this week due to the schedule. Check.
Only won three road games all regular season. Check.
I will freely admit that I wasn't sure MSU had it in them this weekend to win a game. I will gladly eat crow tonight. The underdogs right now are very much alive. The Spartans went down to Miami and stunned the #1 seeded and #3 nationally ranked Miami Red Hawks 3-0. Jake Hildebrand stopped all 34 shots he faced for his second career shutout. Matt Deblouw and Matt Berry put Michigan State up 2-0 to stun the home crowd, and the defense and goaltending did the rest. Kevin Walrod would add an empty net goal with 56 seconds to go to finish the scoring.
This victory gave Michigan State its third road victory of the post season. They had three post season victories all season. It was actually a road warrior night as Michigan (over Western) and Ferris State (over Ohio State) also recorded road wins. Notre Dame was the only home team to hold serve, and they needed overtime to get the job done against Bowling Green.
This team continues to amaze in the post season. They really are showing what you can do with a second chance. But, they cannot be satisfied yet. They aren't to Joe Louis Arena yet, and you know Miami is going to kick it up a notch or ten tomorrow (and Sunday if need be).
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Know Thy Playoff Enemy: Miami
And then there were eight.
The Michigan State Spartans have been playing better hockey over the last month, and they were finally rewarded with a road series victory in Alaska. Their reward for that success was a very short week of practice and a road series at the CCHA Champion Miami Red Hawks.
Some reward eh?
The Spartans enter the weekend with a 13-23-3 overall record. Since the loss on February 8th at Bowling Green, Michigan State is 6-4. Miami enters the weekend with a 22-9-5 overall record, #3 overall ranking, and in position to potentially get a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Miami last played on March 1st and 2nd in a weekend split against Ohio State. That split earned Miami the final CCHA championship. I'm sure they'd like nothing more than to win the last Mason Cup as well, knocking out at least one Big Ten foe along the way.
Michigan State leads the all-time series 68-32-6 and that includes a 28-14-3 record in Miami. The problem is Miami has dominated the series of late going 6-0-1 over the last 7 games. This includes a 2 game play-off sweep in last year's CCHA quarterfinals and taking five of six points this year in the season series. Michigan State tied Miami in Oxford 2-2 in the first game this year, and Miami won the second game 2-0. Miami won the shoot-out on Friday as well.
This was one of those series last season that quite a few MSU fans thought the Red Hawks simply presented a bad match-up for Michigan State. Well, they may have been right since Miami dominated the play-off series.
Given the very short week of prep work MSU had, the odds certainly are stacked up against Michigan State. Last weekend we mentioned how the playoffs present an opportunity for a second chance, to remake your ending if your season didn't go according to plan. Michigan State still has that opportunity this weekend to rewrite their ending. Whether they win or lose, you know they are going to lay their heart on the line and give it their best shot. With Yanakeff and Hildebrand, if both goalies are sharp this weekend, the Spartans will be in the game. It's going to be important to stick around, be pesky, and make them earn everything.
They have nothing to lose at this point, and Bowling Green did it last year from the #11 spot. This Spartan team can do it too.
Miami Leading Scorers:
Riley Barber 15 goals, 36 points
Austin Czarnik 11 goals, 33 points
Curtis McKenzie 9 goals, 22 points
Matthew Caito 5 goals, 18 points
Marc Hagel 5 goals, 17 points
Miami Goaltenders:
Jay Williams 12-5-3, 1.89 GAA, .926 save %
Ryan McKay 10-4-2, 1.17 GAA, .957 save %
Team Comparison
Miami Offense: 5th - 2.53 GPG
MSU Defense: 8th - 2.74 GAPG
Miami Defense: 1st - 1.61 GAPG
MSU Offense: 11th - 2.10 GPG
Miami Power Play: 5th - 15.8%
MSU Penalty Kill: T-7th - 83.9%
MSU Penalty Minutes: 2nd least - 12.2 PIM/G
Miami Penalty Kill: 2nd - 88.6%
Miami Penalty Minutes: 3rd most - 13.9 PIM/G
MSU Power Play: 10th - 13.4%
Series Thoughts:
Game 1 Box Score // Game 1 Recap
Game 2 Box Score // Game 2 Recap
Miami is the clear favorite in this one. There aren't going to be many people, if any outside of East Lansing, that will pick MSU to win this series or even a game in this series. The poll on the right hand side seems to show some confident (or crazy) Spartan fans. But this is why you play the game. No one gave Bowling Green a chance to do it last year. There weren't many people that gave MSU a chance last weekend. Legs are going to be a concern this weekend, which is going to make the start very important. If the Spartans score early, it certainly will give them a lot of confidence, and that pesky underdog can go to work again. In any case, the Spartans simply need to work hard for 60 minutes in each game, and if needed, let the goaltending take over. Then who knows what that pesky underdog is capable of doing. Anything is possible, and it's why games are won on the ice and not on paper.
Friday's game is scheduled to start at 7:35 pm. Saturday and if needed Sunday's game is scheduled at 7:05 pm. All the games can be heard on 730 am or the Spartan Sports Network
The Michigan State Spartans have been playing better hockey over the last month, and they were finally rewarded with a road series victory in Alaska. Their reward for that success was a very short week of practice and a road series at the CCHA Champion Miami Red Hawks.
Some reward eh?
The Spartans enter the weekend with a 13-23-3 overall record. Since the loss on February 8th at Bowling Green, Michigan State is 6-4. Miami enters the weekend with a 22-9-5 overall record, #3 overall ranking, and in position to potentially get a #1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Miami last played on March 1st and 2nd in a weekend split against Ohio State. That split earned Miami the final CCHA championship. I'm sure they'd like nothing more than to win the last Mason Cup as well, knocking out at least one Big Ten foe along the way.
Michigan State leads the all-time series 68-32-6 and that includes a 28-14-3 record in Miami. The problem is Miami has dominated the series of late going 6-0-1 over the last 7 games. This includes a 2 game play-off sweep in last year's CCHA quarterfinals and taking five of six points this year in the season series. Michigan State tied Miami in Oxford 2-2 in the first game this year, and Miami won the second game 2-0. Miami won the shoot-out on Friday as well.
This was one of those series last season that quite a few MSU fans thought the Red Hawks simply presented a bad match-up for Michigan State. Well, they may have been right since Miami dominated the play-off series.
Given the very short week of prep work MSU had, the odds certainly are stacked up against Michigan State. Last weekend we mentioned how the playoffs present an opportunity for a second chance, to remake your ending if your season didn't go according to plan. Michigan State still has that opportunity this weekend to rewrite their ending. Whether they win or lose, you know they are going to lay their heart on the line and give it their best shot. With Yanakeff and Hildebrand, if both goalies are sharp this weekend, the Spartans will be in the game. It's going to be important to stick around, be pesky, and make them earn everything.
They have nothing to lose at this point, and Bowling Green did it last year from the #11 spot. This Spartan team can do it too.
Miami Leading Scorers:
Riley Barber 15 goals, 36 points
Austin Czarnik 11 goals, 33 points
Curtis McKenzie 9 goals, 22 points
Matthew Caito 5 goals, 18 points
Marc Hagel 5 goals, 17 points
Miami Goaltenders:
Jay Williams 12-5-3, 1.89 GAA, .926 save %
Ryan McKay 10-4-2, 1.17 GAA, .957 save %
Team Comparison
Miami Offense: 5th - 2.53 GPG
MSU Defense: 8th - 2.74 GAPG
Miami Defense: 1st - 1.61 GAPG
MSU Offense: 11th - 2.10 GPG
Miami Power Play: 5th - 15.8%
MSU Penalty Kill: T-7th - 83.9%
MSU Penalty Minutes: 2nd least - 12.2 PIM/G
Miami Penalty Kill: 2nd - 88.6%
Miami Penalty Minutes: 3rd most - 13.9 PIM/G
MSU Power Play: 10th - 13.4%
Series Thoughts:
Game 1 Box Score // Game 1 Recap
Game 2 Box Score // Game 2 Recap
Miami is the clear favorite in this one. There aren't going to be many people, if any outside of East Lansing, that will pick MSU to win this series or even a game in this series. The poll on the right hand side seems to show some confident (or crazy) Spartan fans. But this is why you play the game. No one gave Bowling Green a chance to do it last year. There weren't many people that gave MSU a chance last weekend. Legs are going to be a concern this weekend, which is going to make the start very important. If the Spartans score early, it certainly will give them a lot of confidence, and that pesky underdog can go to work again. In any case, the Spartans simply need to work hard for 60 minutes in each game, and if needed, let the goaltending take over. Then who knows what that pesky underdog is capable of doing. Anything is possible, and it's why games are won on the ice and not on paper.
Friday's game is scheduled to start at 7:35 pm. Saturday and if needed Sunday's game is scheduled at 7:05 pm. All the games can be heard on 730 am or the Spartan Sports Network
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)