Michigan State hockey (15-13-2, 9-9-2 Big Ten) has bounced around the USCHO.com top 20 quite a bit since entering the poll on Nov. 14, most recently rising two spots to No. 15 following a sweep of Notre Dame. 

The Fighting Irish held the No. 20 spot last week but have since dropped out of the poll after suffering 3-0 and 3-2 losses to MSU over the weekend. The Spartans maintained the lead throughout the series, and Notre Dame was never able to pull ahead.

With the sweep, MSU matched its highest win total since 2019-20 (15). It also picked up its most wins at home since 2011-12 (11).

As for the rest of the Big Ten, Minnesota remains at No. 1 after an idle weekend. Michigan climbed one spot to No. 5 after sweeping Wisconsin. Ohio State stayed put at No. 7, while Penn State moved up one spot to No. 8 after splitting wins with each other on Friday and Saturday.  

With the end of the regular season drawing near, Michigan State is also tied for 14th place in the PairWise rankings with Connecticut. 

The Spartans are set to face a tall task this week as Michigan comes to town on Friday before heading to Little Caesars Arena for the Duel in the D series finale with the Wolverines. After that, MSU has one series left, traveling to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers.

Here’s a look at the rest of the top 20: