The Rangers’ 12 North American prospects are all set for playoff games this year. Thursday was not a playoff night, but it shaped key seeding battles.
Michigan State Clinches Big Ten Title
Sean Barnhill and Michigan State clinched the Big Ten regular‑season title with a 7‑1 win over Brody Lamb and Minnesota. The Spartans secured the top seed and earned a first‑round bye.
Barnhill was scoreless with one shot and a +2. Brody Lamb was scoreless on two shots in the loss.
For Michigan State, it is the third straight Big Ten regular season championship. Minnesota needs a Friday win and an Ohio State loss to avoid finishing sixth.
Boston College Slips After Loss to UMass
Drew Fortescue and Boston College lost 2‑1 to UMass in Hockey East play. The loss dropped the Eagles from second to fourth with one game left.
Fortescue was scoreless with no shots and a -1. Boston College now needs a Saturday win and outside help to climb.
Barrie Falls Behind in OHL Conference Race
Evan Passmore and the Barrie Colts lost 5‑3 to first‑place Brantford. The loss pushed Barrie three points back with eight games remaining.
Passmore was scoreless with no shots and a -2.
Cape Breton Drops to Fifth in QMJHL
Raoul Boilard and Cape Breton lost 5‑1 to Moncton. The Eagles fell to fifth in the Eastern Conference with five games left.
Boilard was scoreless with one shot, a slashing minor, a 5‑3 faceoff line, and one hit.
Michigan Stays Sharp With Exhibition Win
Malcom Spence scored in Michigan’s 8‑1 exhibition win over Simon Fraser. Michigan scheduled the game to stay sharp after finishing its regular season last week.
The Wolverines open the Big Ten playoffs next week against Notre Dame in a single‑elimination matchup.
