The long-awaited rivalry weekend has returned, reigniting the intense matchup between the Michigan State Spartans and the Michigan Wolverines. After a recent clash on the ice at Munn Ice Arena and Yost Ice Arena, the in-state rivals are poised for round two, with the Spartans traveling to Ann Arbor and Little Caesars Arena in Detroit for the annual Duel in the D.
Following a mixed weekend in South Bend, Indiana, against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where they suffered a 4-1 loss but rebounded with a 4-0 shutout win courtesy of freshman goaltender Trey Augustine, the Spartans are approaching this series with a mindset of positivity and emotional control. Reflecting on their previous encounter with Michigan, sophomore forward Karsen Dorwart acknowledged a need for better composure, emphasizing the importance of managing emotions effectively.
Seeking both redemption and a commanding victory against their rivals, Michigan State aims to overturn the split result from their previous meeting, which saw a 7-1 defeat followed by a 7-5 comeback win. Additionally, they hope to avenge last year’s Duel in the D loss, where they were defeated in overtime with just 0.6 seconds remaining. Dorwart highlighted the mutual respect between the teams despite the intense rivalry, recognizing the Wolverines’ capability while emphasizing the need to limit their opportunities.
Special teams play a crucial role in the Spartans’ strategy, particularly their robust penalty kill, which will be tested against Michigan’s top-ranked power play. Head coach Adam Nightingale praised the players’ adherence to the coaching plan, crediting the team’s strength in special teams to their execution and talent.
With only three weeks of regular-season games remaining, Michigan State acknowledges its current standing and aims for improvement. Nightingale acknowledged that, while they may not be playing their best hockey, they are steadily progressing. Dorwart echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of offensive production and defensive solidity, especially during this challenging phase of the season.
The Wolverines, with a conference record of 7-7-2, come into the matchup following their first in-conference sweep against the Ohio State Buckeyes. In their previous encounter with the Spartans, they secured a convincing 7-1 victory in the first game, followed by a 6-5 overtime loss. The return of sophomore forward Gavin Brindley adds depth to the Wolverines’ lineup, enhancing their offensive capabilities for both games of the series.
The highly anticipated clash will commence at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, with the first game streamed on Big Ten Plus. The second game will take place at 8:30 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
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