MICHIGAN
8-6-0 (5-5-0 CCHA)
Key Players: Aaron Palushaj, F, So. (14 GP, 7-13-20); Louie Caporusso, F, So. (14 GP, 12-4-16); Chris Summers, D, Jr. (14 GP, 1-2-3).
Team Fact: Michigan’s only win in five tries against ranked opponents this season came on Oct. 18 against a Northern Michigan team that has since fallen into the CCHA basement with a 3-8-1 overall record.
What Will Make Them Successful: The Wolverines have proven themselves fairly strong defensively, but need to maintain a strong transition game in order to be successful. If Michigan can stay up to speed with its neutral zone transitions, it allows Caporusso and Palushaj to effectively unleash their elite talents in the offensive end.
Why It’s Important: The Wolverines surely lost some confidence in a pair of tough losses at Miami this past weekend and needs strong performances against a comparable Wisconsin team and a high-flying Minnesota team to regain some respectability as a contender. In addition, the Golden Gophers may have lost in Ann Arbor last year, but absolutely trounced the Wolverines, 8-2, in Michigan’s last Showcase visit to Minneapolis.

MICHIGAN STATE
14-8-2 (2-6-2 CCHA)
Key Players: Jeff Lerg, G, Sr. (11 GP, 3-7-1, 2.54 GAA, .916 sv%); Jeff Petry, D, So. (14 GP, 1-3-4); Matt Schepke, F, Sr. (14 GP, 5-2-7).
Team Fact: The Spartans’ 20 goals in 14 games ranks them last in the CCHA and 57th nationally in terms of scoring offense.
What Will Make Them Successful: Because they’ve struggled so much in scoring goals, the Spartans need a quick jump to compete with Minnesota and Wisconsin. If the Michigan State forwards can surprise their opponents early and put them on their heels, the green and white can then rely on strong defense and excellent goaltending to hold on for a victory.
Why It’s Important: The team fact states it all, Michigan State needs to start scoring. Now, that won’t be easy against either Minnesota or Wisconsin, but a few goals in each game might give the Spartans some much-needed confidence heading into a home-and-home with Michigan the following week. The Spartans need to play well in that set, or they could head into the second half of the season in the dreaded bottom four of the CCHA.