While the regular season is vital, playoff hockey brings a different level of intensity. Teams become more aggressive, determined, and the atmosphere is electric with rowdy crowds.

"It’s playoff hockey, every team, every player is going to be playing their best," freshman forward Shane Vansaghi said. "Everyone's doing everything they can to help their team win and that’s just how it is this time of year, you have to be willing to sacrifice your body for the team."

After completing the final weekend of best-of-three games in the first round, MSU now faces Notre Dame in a one-and-done scenario. A win sends the Spartans to the championship game; a loss means waiting for the NCAA Frozen Four selection show on March 23.

"I think it all goes back to your preparation. These guys have committed a lot. They got here July 1, they made great strides in the weight room, great strides on the ice, made really good decisions, sacrificed a lot, giving up what a lot of college students get to do because their goal is to be the last team standing," head coach Adam Nightingale said. "We’ve got a lot of work to do to do that, but I think our guys should come in with a ton of confidence, but also respecting who you’re playing."

Over the past two seasons, Munn Ice Arena has seen its crowds grow. The arena sells out consistently, student tickets vanish within seconds, and fans — especially the Munnsters — bring their energy with every "Go Green, Go White" chant.

"(We’re) happy to play another game at Munn and our fans have been awesome. It’s been packed, it’s been loud and has been a big factor in the season we’ve had," Nightingale said.

Though some might enjoy the extra week of rest, the Spartans disagree. Vansaghi admitted it’s tough to sit back and watch other teams play, but the team’s preparation at the rink will be key to succeeding against the tenacious Notre Dame squad.

"It’s hard not to play. I mean you want to play, it’s good to get rest, it's good to have more time to prepare, but mentally it’s kind of hard to just be sitting on your couch at home watching other teams play," Vansaghi said. "I think with all the preparation that we’ve been able to have over the past two weeks, it’ll help us out a lot."

MSU swept Notre Dame on the road in their final regular season weekend, winning 5-2 on both nights. The Spartans clinched a share of the Big Ten regular season title and spoiled the Irish’s senior night and head coach Jeff Jackson’s bid for his 600th career win.

But UND was determined to stay in the mix, hitting the road and heading to Mariucci Arena in Minnesota to take on the Gophers, winning two of three games to advance to the single elimination round. It wouldn't have been without netminder Owen Say, who has made a name for himself in the crease with a .917 save percentage and 2.89 goals allowed on average.

Cole Knuble is a key piece of the Fighting Irish offense, ranking fifth in Big Ten points with 12 goals and 27 assists. The sophomore missed the first series against MSU but returned for the final regular season matchup in South Bend.

The battle for the Big Ten Tournament trophy begins Saturday, March 15 at 6 p.m. when MSU faces Notre Dame, looking to spoil the Fighting Irish’s season and advance to the championship game.