"We’re playing a really good Penn State team here, you could argue being the hottest team in the country and fighting for their lives to make the tournament," head coach Adam Nightingale said.

Minnesota and Ohio State trail MSU in the standings, each with 40 points to the Spartans’ 43. Multiple scenarios could determine the regular-season champion, but the simplest path for MSU is winning out.

The bye week came at a crucial time following MSU’s emotional rivalry series against Michigan, allowing the team to recover ahead of the final stretch. But for junior forward Isaac Howard, given the choice, he’d rather have been on the ice.

"We’re probably more eager to get out there and play, that’s how the college system is set up, you’re going to have off weeks," Howard said. "I think we’re all ready to go. Sometimes it’s nice to maybe heal from some lingering stuff, but we’re definitely ready to go and we’re excited."

Senior Night will celebrate the players who helped shape MSU’s rise back to national prominence. Whether or not they wear a letter, the Spartans’ veterans have been instrumental in the team’s success and will be key in their postseason run. The honorees include captain Red Savage, forwards Tanner Kelly and David Gucciardi, and graduate defenseman Nicklas Andrews.

"It goes by fast, when you look back at your college career it happens quick," Nightingale said. "You figure you’ve got a whole bunch of time and then it’s senior night, those guys will be excited to play."

While Senior Night is special for all, it holds extra significance for Kelly and Gucciardi, who began their careers in green and white and will close them by kissing the Spartan head at center ice. Arriving during a challenging period for the program, they remained committed to Nightingale’s rebuild, helping MSU capture its first Big Ten title and pushing for another.

"The program wasn’t where it needed to be four years ago and just to see how far we’ve come," Kelly said. "Me and Gucciardi, we’ve both been here from the beginning and to just see the way the culture has changed around here and the way everyone’s really bought in to what needs to happen for this program to be on top again, it’s been really special to be a part of."

Riding an 8-1-1 streak in their last ten games, the Nittany Lions have surged back into Big Ten contention, fighting for home-ice advantage in the conference tournament.

The two teams split their first weekend series in January with the Spartans taking a dominant 6-4 victory on night one with Howard posting a five point night with four goals and an assist. Night two was a different story with the Spartans down early, making a campaign for a comeback through the night. The teams ended up in a shootout tie where the blue and white would take the extra point with a shot past MSU sophomore netminder Trey Augsutine.

Holding a one-point edge in their season series, MSU will host the red-hot Nittany Lions at Munn Ice Arena, with puck drop set for 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, Feb. 22. Both games will air on Big Ten Network.