Spartans move into first place in B1G with sweep of Wisconsin

By Alyssa Girardi –

EAST LANSING — After six periods of shutout hockey, MSU’s weekend sweep of Wisconsin allowed the Spartans to gain sole possession of the Big Ten.

Following losses by Minnesota and Michigan on Saturday, MSU’s second consecutive 3-0 victory moved them into first-place with 34 points in the tight Big Ten race. The Gophers and Wolverines are tied for second with 33 points, trailed closely by Penn State with 31.

The Spartans (16-14-2 overall, 10-6-2-2 Big Ten) realized during the second intermission that they had the power to move into first place, as Michigan’s and Minnesota’s games finished earlier in the evening.

Though head coach Tom Anastos tried to keep that information from the team, fearing it would be a distraction, the news made its way to the locker room. Anastos’ message heading into the period: “this (is) the most important 20 minutes of the season.”

“It might’ve motivated us a little bit, actually,” captain Michael Ferrantino (Plymouth) said. “ We came out with a good third and were able to get two goals there and seal the game. It affected us probably more in a positive way than in a negative way, and thank goodness it did.”

MSU entered the third with a lone goal by Matt Berry (Canton), and tallies by Mackenzie MacEachern (Troy) and Ryan Keller (Farmington Hills) 54 seconds apart sealed Saturday’s win.

MSU’s series shutout, in addition to Feb. 21’s 3-0 at Wisconsin, marks the first time the Spartans have shut out the same team three times in a season since the 1999-00 campaign when MSU held Lake Superior State scoreless over three matchups.

Furthermore, it was the first time MSU posted shutouts in consecutive games since Jan. 19 and Jan. 25, 2008, and Hildebrand’s first back-to-back career shutouts. Hildebrand is currently riding a 10-period shutout streak, with 59 saves this weekend against Wisconsin.

Looking ahead to next weekend, the fate of the top four team’s heading into the Big Ten Tournament on March 19-21 at Joe Louis Arena rests in each of their hands. On tap is a rivalry home-and-home matchup between MSU and Michigan, while Penn State travels to Mariucci Arena for a series with the Badgers.

After starting the season 4-8, the Spartans have earned victories in nine of their last 12 games. It’s a good time for MSU to get hot, as the top two teams earn first-round byes in the tournament.

“I think it’s really special,” goaltender Jake Hildebrand said. “It says a lot about the character of this team and how we really stuck to the process all season and we were dedicated to getting better everyday.”