Michigan entertains rival Ohio State for a two-game series at Yost Ice Arena this weekend, and the Wolverines are badly in need of a sweep after getting just one of six points at Miami (Ohio) Nov. 11-12. To accomplish the feat, U-M needs big games from a few select players ...

First, though, a quick summation of last week's players as the Wolverines went 0-1-1 with a shootout loss.

Kevin Clare: The sophomore defenseman was paired with rookie Brennan Serville, and their ice time was limited compared to U-M's top two combos. Clare finished plus-1 during Saturday's 3-3 tie, but didn't play particularly well all weekend.

Chris Brown: A right wing on Michigan's second line, Brown had a goal Saturday, but was held relatively in check on a weekend in which the Maize and Blue had only four markers.

Luke Moffatt: Moffatt had two shots both nights as the fourth-line right winger, but didn't make a dent on the scoresheet, and showed no reason why he should be promoted to a higher line.

On now, on to this week's Players To Watch ...

Junior forward Lindsay Sparks: The left winger continues to lead the Wolverines in points, with 13, but his production has dropped off considerably since the first seven games (five goals and six assists). He hasn't scored since Oct. 22, a span of six contests, and has just two assists in his last five appearances.

Sparks acknowledged earlier in the season, when the going was good, he would run into some bumps at some point, but vowed that he would do everything he could to avoid the prolong scoring droughts that can ravage an otherwise strong season.

Sparks has never had to deal with that much responsibility before, though - a part-time player his first two seasons - so it will be interesting to see how he responds to the challenge now that he's a go-to performer.

Junior forward Kevin Lynch: Lynch went 18 games without a single point last year but finished his sophomore season on a high note, notching five goals in U-M's final 11 games while playing the best hockey of his career. The hope was he would carry that momentum into this year, earning the right to center Michigan's No. 1 line.

So far, it hasn't happened. Lynch has been affected by a back injury some, but he's played in 10 of 12 games, and has just two goals and an assist. Potentially a terrific two-way forward, Lynch is buried on the third and fourth lines until his production increases, and U-M could really use a strong contribution from him this weekend and going forward.

Junior defenseman Lee Moffie: Moffie owns the second-longest current point streak among the Wolverines (two assists) at two. He's had seven helpers overall this season and a goal. Not bad numbers, but more was expected from the Maize and Blue's top experienced offensive defenseman.

Moffie has paired with freshman Mike Chiasson to give U-M a solid second blue line duo, and must continue to step up against an OSU offense that features seven forwards with at least three markers.

The Buckeyes are 8-3-1, 5-2-1 in CCHA play, and are riding a six-game unbeaten streak (5-0-1), playing their best hockey in years. Expect low-scoring games and a split.

Friday: Ohio State 3, Michigan 2

Saturday: Michigan 4, Ohio State 2