Michigan Hockey Faces Tough Test in Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals

It’s playoff season for the Michigan Wolverines — The Big Ten Tournament begins this weekend and the Wolverines will be facing off against the Wisconsin Badgers in the quarterfinals. Michigan hockey being the No. 2 seed in the tournament means they will play the lowest ranked seed (No. 7) with home ice advantage in a best of three series this weekend. 

Michigan will be looking to win their second-consecutive Big Ten Tournament championship after beating Minnesota in the finals last season; however, like always, this will be no walk in the park with how competitive the Big Ten conference is. 

The Wolverines are 0-2-2 in their last four games with the two ties ending up in shootout losses. The past two weekends have been rough for Michigan hockey as they could not get a regulation win against either Ohio State or Notre Dame.

If Michigan hockey wants to compete in the Big Ten Tournament as well as the NCAA Tournament, they have to play better hockey. Playing physical hockey while remaining disciplined and avoiding penalties will be key for the Wolverines to win these games.

What to Expect from Michigan hockey

Since the last time Michigan and Wisconsin played, Wisconsin is 3-3-0. The Badgers took down No. 1 Minnesota, as well as No. 17 Michigan State and No. 10 Penn State. It will be their ultimate goal this weekend to beat the 4th-ranked Wolverines to move onto the semifinals.

If Michigan plays to their potential, I can see the Wolverines dominating and easily sweeping the Badgers. However, if they play like they have the previous few weeks, it is going to be a hard fought battle. And it will be truly up in the air on who will win this series.

Michigan Hockey is ranked No. 4 in the country and should be able to beat this team, but nothing comes easy, especially in the playoffs.

How to watch the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals

You can watch the Michigan Wolverines face off against the Wisconsin Badgers this weekend with the best of three series. Both Friday and Saturday games will air on BIG+ at 7:00 PM (EST). If necessary, game three will be Sunday night and will also be at 7:00 PM (EST) on BIG+.

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