Michigan State Hockey Looks to Extend Big Ten Lead Against Last-Place Notre Dame

The top-ranked Spartans host the struggling Fighting Irish in a two-game series this week.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Michigan State hockey, currently ranked number one in the nation, is set to host the last-place Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a Big Ten conference series this week. The Spartans are four points behind Michigan for first place in the Big Ten standings but have played two fewer games. MSU is looking to continue its strong season and take another step towards a Big Ten regular season championship.

Why it matters

This series represents an opportunity for Michigan State to gain ground on Michigan in the Big Ten standings and strengthen its position as a top contender for the conference title. As the Spartans continue their push for a championship, games against lower-ranked opponents like Notre Dame are crucial to pick up valuable points.

The details

Michigan State is coming off a bye week, while Notre Dame is coming off a series against Minnesota where they earned four of six possible points. The Spartans swept the Fighting Irish earlier this season, winning 4-1 and 3-1. MSU is heavily favored in this series as they sit first in the NPI rankings, while Notre Dame is 52nd out of 63 teams.

  • The series begins on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
  • The second game is scheduled for Friday, February 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. ET.

The players

Adam Nightingale

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans hockey team.

Eric Nilson

A center for the Michigan State Spartans hockey team.

Patrick Geary

A defenseman for the Michigan State Spartans hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This series represents a crucial opportunity for Michigan State to gain ground on Michigan in the Big Ten standings and strengthen its position as a top contender for the conference title. As the Spartans continue their push for a championship, games against lower-ranked opponents like Notre Dame are crucial to pick up valuable points.