"We’ve been working hard in practice, and now it’s about putting everything together for conference play," MSU head coach Adam Nightingale said at a press conference Wednesday. "We’re grateful to be part of the Big Ten with the tough schedule it brings. Ohio State is off to a strong start and it should be a great weekend of hockey.”"

MSU and OSU faced off five times last season. The Spartans won four, including a crucial 2-1 victory in the Big Ten semifinal. This Ohio State team, however, is not the same as it was a year ago, when the Buckeyes finished last in the Big Ten with a 14-20-4 record. They've bounced back, off to a hot start at 7-0-1. 

"They do a heck of a job with their staff," Nightingale said. "They’ve got two really good goalies and they’re deep at both forward and defense. I’m not surprised by their start. I’ve always had a ton of respect for their program and their coaching staff. This will be a good test for us."

MSU has focused on power plays, an area in which its shown improvement during recent contests. The Spartans haven't had many early in the season but have taken advantage of those moments.  

"We didn’t get a ton of power plays early on, but when we had them we executed well," Nightingale said. "It’s about executing when it matters most. We’re at our best when we’re attacking and getting pucks back, and we’ve got a lot of options on the power play."

As defending Big Ten regular season and tournament champions, the Spartans face heightened expectations this season.  

"There are no nights off in our conference," Nightingale said. "Every team has a legit chance of winning, and that’s what makes the Big Ten so special. We want to see everyone’s best and we want to play against the best."

Nightingale talked about OSU's improvement since last winter, noting the Buckeyes’ depth and how they've scored throughout the lineup. With the current parity in the Big Ten, he emphasized how small the margin for error is in every game.  

"Their depth is important," Nightingale said. "If you’re a one-line team in this conference, it can be challenging. Ohio State has the depth to compete with anyone."

The Spartans have also seen improvement from players like junior Isaac Howard, who Nightingale said has taken an extra step forward this year.

"Isaac is really growing as a player," Nightingale said. "He’s always been offensively gifted, but now he’s getting better away from the puck, and that’s helping his overall game."

Looking ahead to the weekend’s matchup, Nightingale said his team is focused on improving internally rather than focusing on last year’s battles with OSU.

"It’s about the next game," Nightingale said. "We have a ton of respect for Ohio State. There’s no bad blood, but it’s going to be a competitive series. We’re focused on us and continuing to grow our game."

As MSU comes off an exhibition and a bye week, Nightingale is pleased with how his team has kept up the intensity in practice. 

"We’ve had some breaks in the schedule, but the guys have been practicing at game intensity," Nightingale said. "They’ve done a really good job staying focused and they understand that this is their team. We’re here to guide them, but they have to own it."

The MSU-OSU series will be an early test for both teams in Big Ten play as they each look to make a statement.