U-M Seeks Rebound in Series at Penn State

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The No. 7-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team (4-2, 2-2-0-1 Big Ten) looks to bounce back from a weekend setback against Notre Dame when the Wolverines return to the ice on Wednesday and Thursday (Dec. 2-3) to take on Penn State (0-4, 0-4-0-0 Big Ten) in State College, Pa. Both games are scheduled for 6 p.m. puck drops. Wednesday's game will be broadcast live on ESPNU, while Thursday's game will be streamed live on Big Ten Network Plus.

Hail From Home

Game days may look different this season, but the tradition of cheering on Michigan ice hockey continues. Hail From Home is our way to virtually bring the excitement of game day to fans. Throughout the season, fans can look forward to a variety of digital engagements including fan cutouts at Yost, game day playlists, Yost scoreboard messages, virtual Zamboni rides, a season ticket giveaway, and more. » Hail From Home

The Series

This week, Michigan and Penn State will face off for their 32nd and 33rd meetings. The Wolverines have built a 17-13-1 advantage in the all-time series against the Nittany Lions, going 2-1-1 last season. The teams split their two games in Ann Arbor last December (W, 4-1; L, 3-1). Michigan captured a 6-0 shutout in Game 1 (Jan. 17) in State College before the team's skated to a 4-4 tie in the finale (Jan. 18). Garrett Van Wyhe helped get the Wolverines the extra point, scoring in the three-on-three overtime. In Happy Valley, the Wolverines are 5-7-1.

Wolverine Bites

The Wolverines are ranked No. 7 in the latest USCHO Poll (Nov. 30), dropping three spots from No. 4 in last week rankings.

• Half of Michigan's point production has come from its freshman class. Kent Johnson leads the way with eight points (one goal, seven assists). Thomas Bordeleau adds seven points (2G, 5A), with both of his goals being game winners. Matty Beniers follows with two goals and three assists for five points.

• Reigning Big Ten Goaltender of the Year Strauss Mann owns a 1.33 goals-against average and a .939 save percentage through the first six games of the season. With seven career shutouts, Mann is tied for sixth all-time in program history.

• Michigan's power play leads the Big Ten and ranks third nationally, converting at a 30 percent clip (six of 20). The penalty kill has been just as effective at 85 percent (17 of 20).

Scouting the Fighting Irish

Penn State welcomes eight newcomers to their 2020-21 roster, highlighted by blueliners Christian Berger and Jimmy Dowd Jr., who have immediately stepped into playing time. Returning for the Nittany Lions up front are newly minted captain Alex Limoges, Kevin Wall, Aarne Talvitie and Sam Sternschein, among others. On the back end, Clayton Phillips and Paul DeNaples set the tone for a PSU team that lost an immense amount of talent in the offseason. In net for Penn State has been a tandem of junior Oskar Autio and freshman Liam Souliere.

The Nittany Lions stumbled out of the gate, dropping their first four games on the road at Minnesota and Wisconsin. This week will mark the team's first games this season at their home rink, Pegula Ice Arena.

Up Next

Tuesday, Dec. 8 -- vs. Minnesota (Yost Ice Arena), 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 9 -- vs. Minnesota (Yost Ice Arena), 6:30 p.m.