“I consider it a bigger challenge for us than Bowling Green,” Comley said of the series. “We can cap off a good first half and set up an opportunity in the second half. But I know Bowling Green will be ready and they will play well.”

The Spartans (10-6-2 overall, 7-3-2-0 CCHA) are coming off their hardest month of the season, where five of the six teams MSU played in the stretch were ranked in the top-25.

Although Bowling Green is far from being nationally ranked — with a record of 2-12-2 overall and 2-8-2-2 in the CCHA — Comley has stressed to his team not to overlook the Falcons.

“Every team can beat every team in this league,” junior forward Dustin Gazley said. “You have to play 100 percent every game. They are playing well right now and you have to go in just like it’s any other game and play your game.”

The Falcons have the worst scoring offense and defense in the conference, but the Spartans’ offense has fizzled of late, scoring only three goals last weekend against Northern Michigan and coming up empty-handed on the power play.

The power play has been a major concern for the Spartans so far this season, as MSU has gone 17-for-100 with the man advantage.

Freshman defenseman Torey Krug said the key to getting the power play back on track is making the simple plays and not trying to do too much with the puck.

“You always hear, ‘oh the power play is struggling so you have to change things up.’” Krug said. “I think guys hear that and it gets to our heads a little bit. I think we just have to go out there and make the simple plays.”

Bowling Green’s two wins this season have come at the hands of Michigan and Alaska, furthering Comley’s argument that the Falcons aren’t a slouch.

And with a 17-day Christmas break before the Great Lakes Invitational on Dec. 29, the Spartans want to close out the first half of the season on a positive note.

“It’s a huge weekend,” Krug said. “Anytime you can end on a good note, it’s something you want to push for. Coach Comley has really stressed being prepared for this weekend and we can’t take Bowling Green lightly. Ending on a good note is one of the biggest things in hockey.”