Let the Petry Watch Begin

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The 7th place Michigan Wolverines have swept the 2nd place Michigan State Spartans tonight in CCHA quarterfinal action. The Wolverines posted 5-1 and 5-3 wins to oust their biggest rival not only from CCHA playoff action but in all likelihood, bumping them out of contention for an at-large bid into the 16-team NCAA tournament as well.

That won't officially be decided just yet but with the CHA now definitely getting two entries (thanks to Niagara's upset of Bemidji State on Friday) things got a lot murkier. The fact that Northern Michigan and Ferris State have both advanced to the next round won't help MSU's cause either. Both schools were below MSU on the Pairwise rankings

I've been wrong before but at this point, I can't see how the Spartans can still possibly be alive for an at-large bid which means they are done for the year. If that's true, then a few Spartans will be making pro hockey decisions ASAP.


I'm sure other people have noticed but lately anytime an Oilers executive is asked about prospects, Jeff Petry's name figures prominently. Once Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paarjarvi-Svensson are mentioned, the MSU blueliner appears to be next on the list.

Dean recently mentioned in his Oilers Snap Shot that he had an inkling that this would be Petry's final year at college. Other, older sources seem to suggest the opposite. One way or the other, I guess we can officially start the Petry Watch - does he leave school now and report to the Springfield Falcons or does he return for his senior year? We might know the answer to that questions sooner rather than later. Petry had a career high 29 points in 38 games this year.

Other Spartans to watch for include: Columbus prospect Nick Sucharski, a senior that has no where to go but the pro ranks, Buffalo drafted Corey Tropp who is a junior with a legitimate chance at being named the Hobey Baker Award winner this year as he led the Spartans with 42 points.

(Photo: Kate Raush/The State News)