The magnitude of this weekend in Big Ten hockey cannot be overstated. Michigan takes on Notre Dame tonight and tomorrow at Yost. Below is a slightly lengthy breakdown of how things could play out.
Current Standings:
1. Minnesota (51 points)
T2. Michigan (36 points)
T2. Ohio State (36 points)
4. Michigan State (34 points)*
T5. Penn State (31 points)
T5. Notre Dame (31 points)
7. Wisconsin (15 points)
*Michigan State is idle this weekend. They will finish at 34 points regardless of what happens in any game.
Notes:
Minnesota has won the Big Ten and has earned a bye in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, which starts next weekend. They advance to the semifinals.
The highest Michigan can finish is 2nd in the league, but the lowest it can finish is 5th.
Obviously, Michigan would like to finish as high as possible. A 2nd, 3rd or 4th place finish would mean Michigan hosts a 7th, 6th or 5th place team, respectively, in the first round of Big Ten Tournament next weekend. The Wolverines need at least one point this weekend to ensure home ice next weekend.
Michigan needs to score more points than Ohio State this weekend to secure the 2nd place finish. Luckily for the Wolverines, the Buckeyes go on the road to play Minnesota.
Hypothetically, if Michigan sweeps Notre Dame this weekend (which would be six points), it will finish with 42 points. Anything less than six points from Ohio State will give U-M the 2nd seed.
Obviously there's a lot to sort out, and it will all start tonight. Michigan hosts Notre Dame at 7 p.m. Minnesota will host Ohio State at 9 p.m.
Current Standings:
1. Minnesota (51 points)
T2. Michigan (36 points)
T2. Ohio State (36 points)
4. Michigan State (34 points)*
T5. Penn State (31 points)
T5. Notre Dame (31 points)
7. Wisconsin (15 points)
*Michigan State is idle this weekend. They will finish at 34 points regardless of what happens in any game.
Notes:
Minnesota has won the Big Ten and has earned a bye in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, which starts next weekend. They advance to the semifinals.
The highest Michigan can finish is 2nd in the league, but the lowest it can finish is 5th.
Obviously, Michigan would like to finish as high as possible. A 2nd, 3rd or 4th place finish would mean Michigan hosts a 7th, 6th or 5th place team, respectively, in the first round of Big Ten Tournament next weekend. The Wolverines need at least one point this weekend to ensure home ice next weekend.
Michigan needs to score more points than Ohio State this weekend to secure the 2nd place finish. Luckily for the Wolverines, the Buckeyes go on the road to play Minnesota.
Hypothetically, if Michigan sweeps Notre Dame this weekend (which would be six points), it will finish with 42 points. Anything less than six points from Ohio State will give U-M the 2nd seed.
Obviously there's a lot to sort out, and it will all start tonight. Michigan hosts Notre Dame at 7 p.m. Minnesota will host Ohio State at 9 p.m.
