No. 2 Michigan State hockey returns to Big Ten grind at Ohio State

What: No. 2 Michigan State (14-4-0, 5-3-0 BIG) vs. Ohio State (6-11-1, 2-6-0 BIG)

When: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 5 p.m. Jan. 10

Where: Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio

TV/Radio: Both games can be streamed on BTN-plus or listened to on WVFN 730 AM.

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All-Time series: MSU is 104-58-13 all-time against OSU and 45-28-6 when facing the Buckeyes on the road. MSU won four of five meetings with OSU last season, including a double-overtime win in the Big Ten Championship game at Munn Ice Arena.

Coaches: MSU's Adam Nightingale is 83-39-9 in his fourth season behind the Spartan bench. Steve Rohlik is 277-188-46 in his 13th season with the Buckeyes.

MSU update: The Spartans climbed one spot in the USCHO poll after an exhibition win over the US National Team Development Program. MSU had won both games at the Great Lakes Invitational in late December the prior weekend.

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MSU, which skated with just nine healthy forwards in its exhibition, will get some much-needed reinforcements as all four forwards who participated in the World Juniors tournament are expected to be back against the Buckeyes. That includes sophomore Shane Vansaghi and freshmen Ryker Lee, Porter Martone, and Eric Nilson. Nilson helped Team Sweden capture the gold medal at the World Juniors in a 3-2 win over Team Czechia.

"Every time you get to put that jersey on and represent your country, it's super special, and you never take it for granted," said Lee, who scored two goals in the tournament for Team USA. "It wasn't the ending we wanted, but it was a great experience to have, and hopefully we can bring some momentum in for the second half here at Michigan State."

Senior forward Charlie Stramel took over the team lead in points from linemate Martone after his four-goal, one-assist performance in the GLI. Stramel now has 10 goals and 13 assists and ranks 18th nationally in points per game (1.22) and ninth in faceoff wins with 222.

Junior goaltender Trey Augustine continued his strong season at MSU and ranks first in the NCAA in shutouts with three, fourth in goals-against average at 1.69, and second in save percentage at 93.8 percent. Augustine leads the Big Ten in all of those categories, and the Spartans lead the NCAA in scoring defense, allowing just 1.72 goals per game.

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Scouting the Buckeyes: It has been a tough season in Columbus as the Buckeyes have struggled to find a footing in both the Big Ten and non-conference. OSU is coming off a home-and-home series with Bowling Green, tying the first night before falling to the Falcons in the second game.

OSU is led in scoring by freshman forward Jake Karabela with four goals and 13 assists. Minnesota State transfer Adam Eisele leads the team with eight goals, while returning forwards Max Montes, Davis Burnside and Riley Thompson are all threats in the offensive zone for the Buckeyes.

"I've always had a ton of respect for (Rohlik). He always has his teams organized and competitive," Nightingale said. "I think they're very good in transition, and they have some guys with speed that can make it tough. When we've struggled with them in the past, it's been a lack of getting to the inside and (OSU) defending well, so if we're going down there thinking we're going to get easy offense, that's not going to be the case."

Junior goaltender Kristoffer Eberly has started 15 of OSU's 18 games, posting a 2.96 goals-against average and a save percentage of 89.6 percent, regressing from his 2.28 and 91.5 percent in 18 games last season.

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OSU is dangerous on the power play, scoring 15 goals on the man advantage and converting at 24.5 percent, which ranks 10th nationally. The Buckeyes do, however, give up a ton of chances and are 49th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 3.44 goals per game.

Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@lsj.com and follow him on X @Nathaniel_Bott

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: No. 2 Michigan State hockey returns to Big Ten grind at Ohio State