The MSU hockey team enjoyed a bye weekend, but the rest of the CCHA continued with its league play.

First-place Michigan lost twice to Notre Dame, 4-1 and 5-2. Although the Wolverines retain their top spot in the conference, just four points separate them from the Spartans, who hold third place.

Should the Spartans win both Friday's and Saturday's contests against the Wolverines, the two teams will be tied for first.

Miami (Ohio), however, hopes to spoil the first-place party as the RedHawks earned three points over Western Michigan to stay in the hunt for the top spot as well.

With a tie Friday and win Saturday, Miami is two points ahead of MSU and two points behind Michigan. The RedHawks next play a home-and-home series against Ohio State.

Michigan comes into East Lansing on Friday at 8:05 p.m., and the two teams will play Saturday at 7:35 p.m. at Joe Louis Arena.