The team has a chance to win both the regular season title and tournament title in back-to-back seasons for the first time in conference history.

The Spartans have faced high-stakes moments all season. Between titles in the Great Lakes Invitational and the Duel in the D, an overtime win over Wisconsin at Wrigley Field, and their second regular season title, MSU has been preparing for the big stage all season.

"Whenever you get a chance to win a trophy it’s huge," junior defenseman Matt Basgall said. "It doesn’t matter what trophy it really is, we want to win it. We’re going to put everything on the line to win this one."

But the in-season high stakes games aren't all the Spartan squad has encountered. Sophomore goaltender Trey Augustine backstopped Team USA to gold medals in both 2024 and 2025 — just two months ago. Preaching the entirety of the season Augustine’s calm, cool and collectiveness, head coach Adam Nightingale said that he’s competitive but the moment doesn’t eat him up.

"He obviously wants to win every game, he’s super competitive and the moment doesn’t eat him up," Nightingale said. "He’s got a ton of confidence but I think it goes back to getting his preparation right. He’s a very focused kid, he’s committed, we see him in practice do it every day. If you have habits like that you’re going to have success."

Augustine, along with fellow Michigan natives Tiernan Shoudy, Daniel Russell, Joey Larson, Griffin Jurecki and Luca Di Pasquo, has had the chance to play a title game in front of the home crowd. But for graduate defenseman Nicklas Andrews, this will be a first for the Grand Rapids native that he has a chance to hoist a trophy in front of his native state crowd.

"This is such a good league and (I'm) fortunate to play here and have the opportunity," Andrews said. "It’s exciting as a player because you know that every game matters and every game means something, and every game is a challenge and an opportunity to grow."

The Spartans have grown significantly since last season’s championship appearance. With a 24-6-4  regular season record, a Mike Richter, AAU Sullivan and Hobey Baker finalist, and higher depth scoring, MSU is fit for a run. And the team can start their NCAA run on a high note with another trophy to add to its showcase.

MSU has also seen a growth in confidence. After playing in high stakes games and finally putting some experience back into the squad and competing in the NCAA postseason for the first time in the Nightingale era, the ability to finish what was started last year is at stake.

"When kids are making decisions I think that’s what they’re looking at, where can I go and play these big moments? And our guys have earned those big moments and have had success in them," Nightingale said. "That doesn’t mean it’s a given going into Saturday. We got to be ready to play our best."

Ohio State heads into Munn Ice Arena riding the momentum of a dramatic win over arguably the hottest team in the nation, Penn State. The Buckeyes edged out the Nittany Lions in sudden-death overtime in Columbus, with Gunnarwolfe Fontaine delivering the game-winner — a player known for stepping up in clutch moments.

"I think (Ohio State) play team hockey, they’re well coached, they’re organized and anyone can beat anyone in our conference," Nightingale said. "I think you’ve seen that through the playoffs, Notre Dame goes to Minnesota and wins that series and Notre Dame’s a heck of a hockey team. When you have a small amount of teams in your conference and you look at the pedigree of the teams in our conference, there are no nights off."

After being picked to finish seventh in the Big Ten preseason poll, the Buckeyes fought their way to a third-place finish and now have a shot at the conference title. Their late-season surge mirrors Penn State’s run this year — heating up down the stretch and battling into the semifinals. But this time, the stakes are even higher.

Michigan State and Ohio State will clash at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at Munn Ice Arena, with the Big Ten Tournament title up for grabs — and a chance for the Spartans to make history with back-to-back regular season and tournament championships.