Postseason runs are defined by many facets of a team. Mental components, physical performance and team chemistry can all play a part. But there are also statistics — a direct reflection of a team’s game. 

While numbers will never fully encompass a team or player, they can still provide insight into Michigan State hockey’s upcoming contest against the University of Connecticut (UConn). 

The No. 1-seeded Spartans are set to face the No. 4-seeded Huskies in the Worcester Regional, the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Puck drop is set for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at DCU Arena.

Records and recent contests

MSU enters the tournament with a 25-8-2 record and a chip on its shoulder. The Spartans’ last game was a 3-2 overtime loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. The Buckeyes were the only conference team to defeat the Spartans this season, as MSU went 1-3-1 against them. 

UConn holds a 20-12-5 record and is also fresh off a close-contest loss. The Huskies fell 2-1 to Merrimack in the Hockey East Tournament Championship, which the program has never won. 

In their last 10 games, MSU is 5-3-2 and UConn is 3-5-2.  

MSU has made the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year under head coach Adam Nightingale. Overall, the Spartans have reached the tournament 30 times, advancing to 11 Frozen Fours and winning three national championships (1966, 1986, 2007). 

UConn is making its second-ever tournament appearance, after marking its first one last year. The Huskies fell to Penn State in the second round of regionals last year, 3-2 in double overtime.