The Big Ten is one of the two best conferences in college hockey this season, with only the Hockey East challenging them for college superiority. Currently, the Big Ten has three teams ranked in the top 10 (No. 2 Minnesota, No. 5 Penn State, No. 7 Michigan), and six teams ranked in the top 20 (No. 11 Michigan State, No. 14 Ohio State, No. 19 Notre Dame).
Even Wisconsin, the only conference team not ranked, has shown signs of life recently. After a dreadful 2-8 start to the season and an exhibition loss to Lakehead, the Badgers have fought their way back to a 7-11 record at the winter break.