The Michigan State hockey team finished last in the Big Ten regular season, but the Spartans are hopeful about their chances in the conference tournament in Detroit this week. MSU opens play against Ohio State at Joe Louis Arena on Thursday.
Spartan Sports Network radio play-by-play man Scott Moore says there are reasons for optimism. "Michigan State and Ohio State have played so closely for the last couple of years," Moore says. "You look at the four games this year, three of them decided by one goal, one of them decided by two with an empty-netter at the end. Anything can happen."
Wisconsin awaits the winner of the MSU-Buckeyes game. Moore explains that the Badgers "have stumbled down the stretch here at the end of the season, and if Michigan State got a boost of confidence from beating Ohio State on Thursday, I like the chances there."
Moore says Minnesota is the clear favorite to win the tournament. The Golden Gophers have won all four Big Ten regular season championships and the three tournaments played since the conference sanctioned ice hockey.