Sophomore goaltender Jake Hildebrand blocks the puck Jan. 24, 2014, at Munn Ice Arena during the game against Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans, 5-2. Erin Hampton/The State News
With Ohio State heading to Munn Ice Arena this weekend, MSU hockey will kick off the second half of its Big Ten season.
Through 10 games, MSU (8-13-4 overall, 2-5-3-3 Big Ten) is in fifth place with 12 points, including two wins and three shootout victories. The Spartans have played all but one team in conference play and have shown an overall trend of improvement.
Here’s how the three positions have fared thus far in Big Ten play.
Forwards
Grade: C
Although the forwards have shown signs of improvement from the beginning of the season, scoring still is a rarity for MSU.
MSU ranks second to last in the Big Ten in scoring through 10 conference games, ahead only of winless Penn State. MSU is averaging below two goals per game, and hasn’t scored more than three goals in any of the 10 conference games.
Head coach Tom Anastos has said on multiple occasions that to get over the hump and become elite, MSU will need to start cashing in on scoring chances.
Sophomore forward Michael Ferrantino has elevated his play in conference match-ups, leading MSU in points in Big Ten games. Ferrantino has points in seven games, with a total of five goals and three assists.
Overall thoughts: The forwards simply need to bury their scoring chances. Easier said than done, but as of late, MSU has generated more scoring chances, and now the green-and-white just need to finish.
Defensemen
Grade: B
MSU has been a defensive specialist team throughout conference play. The Spartans have the second-lowest average goals against per game in the league, only behind the nation’s top-ranked team, the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
MSU has made its identity blocking shots, and the defenseman contributed heavily. MSU defenseman have five of the top eight shot blockers in the Big Ten, and overall rank No. 1 in blocked shots per game in the country.
However, there are knocks against the defensemen.
MSU surrenders the most shots per game, averaging nearly 37 shots against per game.
Defensemen also can take the blame for the low scoring numbers. MSU defensemen combined have zero goals throughout the first half of Big Ten play.
Overall thoughts: The defensemen have been solid when healthy, but still are giving up too many shots. They need to also help forwards and generate more offense.
Goaltending
Grade: A
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Goaltending is by far the most stable area of play for MSU, in large part to sophomore goaltender Jake Hildebrand.
Hildebrand, who has played in all 10 games, has been the backbone of the Spartans all throughout conference play, proving he is one of, if not, the top goaltenders in the conference. Hildebrand has surrendered more than two goals only three times in conference play, keeping MSU alive in every game.
Hildebrand ranks third in the conference in save percentage, an impressive feat after facing more shots than any other Big Ten goaltender.
Hildebrand also is one of only two goalies to record a shutout in conference play.
Overall thoughts: Hildebrand provides an opportunity for MSU to play with every team in this conference. If scoring improves, Hildebrand can lead this team to a top-three finish in conference play.
