Big Ten hockey has taken plenty of criticism from college hockey purists this season. None of the six teams are shoo-insfor the NCAA tournament and only two are ranked in the USCHO top 20, however because the teams have beatenone another up throughout conference play, it has set up what should be an exciting finish to the regular season.
Four teams are still in contention for a Big Ten regular-season title, including the defending champion Gophers. Michigan State controlsits own fate, two wins would give the Spartans the championship, while Michigan, Minnesota and Penn State all need to win and need help from one another to finish on top of the standings.