It is crazy to think that the Michigan State hockey program is at this point, but the Spartans are flirting with the NCAA Tournament in just the first year of the Adam Nightingale era.
The Spartans haven’t made an NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012, the first year of Tom Anastos’s tenure. Since that appearance the Spartans have been an abysmal 117-206-32 under Anastos and Danton Cole.
Nightingale took over the program with a vision to bring MSU back to its former glory, and is now in position to do so, as the Spartans have the ability to get back into the big dance for the first time in 11 years.
On the Bubble
For context, 16 teams make the NCAA Tournament in hockey.
The Spartans currently sit at 15-13-2 with just four games remaining in the regular season. The Spartans also rank at No. 15 in the polls by USCHO and USA Today.
More importantly, MSU currently ranks at No. 14 in the Pairwise rankings and the RPI rankings, both of which are very important to NCAA Tournament selection, similar to the NET rankings in basketball.
If the tournament started today, it appears that Michigan State would be one of the last four teams into the field, but there is still work that needs to be done.
Huge weekend ahead
Michigan State has an opportunity to make a major push for their NCAA Tournament hopes this upcoming weekend against arch-rival Michigan. The Wolverines currently sit at No. 5 in the USCHO and USA Today polls, as well as No. 4 in the Pairwise rankings.
The Spartans and Wolverines square off at Munn Arena on Friday, before heading to Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, giving the Spartans an opportunity at home and at a neutral site to get one or two huge wins for their tournament resume.
It is imperative the Spartans get at least one game this weekend against their rivals.
Take care of business in Madison
Following this series with Michigan, MSU will head to Madison for a series with the bottom dwelling Badgers.
If the Spartans want to keep their NCAA Tournament hopes alive, taking care of business in Madison is a must.
Big Ten Tournament
If all goes well, the stress level at the Big Ten Tournament will be low. But if all goes south, the Big Ten Tournament could feel like a desperation push.
With four games between now and then, the Spartans have every opportunity to seal this deal before the Big Ten Tournament, but it is nice knowing the opportunity will be there if it is needed.
Stay tuned with Spartans Wire as Michigan State looks to stay on the right side of the bubble and make their first NCAA Tournament since 2012.
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