MSU vs Michigan

The Michigan State Spartans will open 2011 with a home and home series against the Michigan Wolverines. The Spartans struggled in 2010, so they look to start the year out on a good note. A sweep could get some real momentum going, but I think a split would be pretty good as well. The first game is at 7:35 pm on Friday at Munn and Saturday's game is a 7:05 start at Yost. The Wolverines are one of the top teams in the CCHA, so the Spartans will have to play their best hockey. The key to the game will be goaltending. MSU needs Drew Palmsiano or Willie Yanakeff to step up and play two big games. Also, MSU needs to limit the turnovers because UM will put their mistakes in the back of the net. The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 5-0 Michigan win and the Wolverines have won the last three contests. Look for Michigan State to come out firing and keep up the tempo throughout the game.