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Michigan State vs. Michigan hockey: Wolverines to start Jared Rutledge on Friday night

Goaltender Jared Rutledge will start for Michigan when the Wolverines face Michigan State Friday night.

Leon Halip

Two freshman goaltenders, Jared Rutledge and Steve Racine, have split time starting for Michigan this season. On Friday against Michigan State, Rutledge will get the nod in a crucial rivalry game:

Rutledge and Racine have struggled this year, allowing 4.4 goals per game. That's a big increase from last season, when fifth-year senior Shawn Hunwick allowed opponents to score just 3.2 goals per contest. The deficiencies in goal have hurt Michigan's record, as the Wolverines are 3-3-1 overall and 1-2-1-1 in CHAA play.

Michigan State has struggled this season, as well, compiling a 3-4-1 record overall and a 2-2-0 mark in CCHA games. However, the Spartans' play in goal has been impressive. Will Yanakeff and Jake Hildebrand have combined for a 2.97 goals against average.

Friday night's game in Ann Arbor is set to begin at 7:35 p.m. ET. The Wolverines and Spartans will meet again on Saturday in East Lansing, with the puck scheduled to drop at 7:05 p.m. ET.