Michigan State enters as the top seed after sharing the Big Ten regular-season title and maintaining a consistent presence among the nation’s best. The Spartans have built their success on a balanced attack and strong defensive play, finishing with a 22-6-4 record and ranking No. 2 in the PairWise rankings.

Isaac Howard has been Michigan State’s offensive leader, tallying 23 goals and 23 assists. His ability to score in key moments has made him one of the most dangerous players in the Big Ten. Defensively, goaltender Trey Augustine has been the backbone of the team, posting a 15-6-4 record with a 2.09 goals-against average and a .925 save percentage. Michigan State’s depth and discipline make them a formidable force as they look to capture the tournament title.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame has built its success around strong defensive play and disciplined hockey. The Irish have one of the top penalty-killing units in the conference, making them a difficult team to break down. Their structured style of play has allowed them to stay competitive against high-powered offenses, and their ability to limit quality scoring chances will be crucial against Michigan State.

Offensively, the Irish have seen notable individual performances. Forward Carter Slaggert achieved a career-best four-game point streak earlier in the season, showcasing his ability to contribute consistently to the team's offense. In goal, Owen Say has been a standout performer. He was named Co-Goaltender of the Month by the Hockey Commissioners Association after starting his Notre Dame career with a 3-0-0 record and leading the nation with a .943 save percentage in October. His strong performances have been pivotal in keeping the Irish competitive.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State has quietly put together an impressive season, relying on a mix of disciplined defensive play and special teams success. The Buckeyes have been particularly strong in shot-blocking, averaging over 14 blocks per game, which has frustrated opponents and limited second-chance opportunities.

On the offensive side, Ohio State’s power play has been one of its biggest weapons, converting at an efficient 21.5% success rate. If the Buckeyes can draw penalties and execute with the man advantage, they could have a major edge in their semifinal matchup.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State enters the semifinals as one of the hottest teams in the nation, boasting a 9-1-3 record in their last 13 games. Their high-energy, aggressive style of play has overwhelmed opponents, and they have been clicking on all cylinders heading into the Big Ten Tournament.

Aiden Fink has been a major catalyst for Penn State’s offensive surge. The freshman forward leads the team with 23 goals and 28 assists in 36 leading the entire NCAA in points. His ability to generate scoring chances and create space for his teammates will be crucial against Ohio State’s structured defense.

Semifinal matchups

The Big Ten Tournament semifinals will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2025. The first matchup will feature top-seeded Michigan State taking on Notre Dame at 6:00 p.m. ET at Munn Ice Arena, followed by Ohio State facing off against Penn State at 8:30 p.m. ET in Columbus. Both games will be broadcast on Big Ten Network, with the winners advancing to the championship game on March 22 for a shot at the conference title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.