Men’s hockey back on the ice this weekend
After the Mavericks’ hot start to the season, they look to keep the sizzle going against Ferris State
Brady Olson
Staff Writer
The Minnesota State University’s men’s hockey team has quickly become one of the hottest teams in the nation. They’ve reeled off four straight wins, including two against bitter rivals Minnesota. But as Ferris State comes to town for the weekend, MSU will have to be on the lookout to make sure they aren’t on the wrong end of an upset.
The latest USCHO rankings have placed three teams from Minnesota all at the top, with St. Cloud State and Minnesota-Duluth right above the Mavericks.
Despite being in-state foes, St. Cloud and Minnesota State will not face off this year, and the only matchup with Duluth will take place in Glendale, Arizona.
Minnesota State has definitely earned their way into 3rdplace, as they had to complete sweeps of then top 10 teams in Minnesota and Boston along the way.
Senior goalie Mathias Israelsson has allowed only three goals in his four starts this year, and the offense has remaining prolific by scoring over 4 goals per game. They also have been highly efficient when on the power play, converting on 24 percent of all power plays.
Ferris State has been trending in the opposite direction this season. They have been swept in two of their five series this year, falling to both Western Michigan and Michigan Tech. They have lost every game in which they allowed three goals, and they are currently allowing 2.9 goals per game.
However, they did manage to sweep Alaska, which currently has them at 2-2 in WCHA play. Stealing a win over MSU could potentially keep Ferris State somewhat high in the WCHA standings.
The WCHA implications are big for MSU as well, as a sweep would put the Mavs at 4-0 in conference play and well on their way to a championship repeat.
According to the Massey Computer Ratings, the Mavericks have an 83 percent chance to win each game and are favored by roughly 4-2 margins. Only the play on the ice will tell us if the Mavericks can continue its success and climb up the polls.
The series will take place this Friday and Saturday at the Verizon Center, with both games starting at 7:07 p.m.
Feature photo by Kjerstin Hall | MSU Reporter.