JT Compher is still searching for his first goal in 2014-15, while Michigan is seeking its first win since Oct. 24. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Athletics.)With five programs in action this weekend, the Big Ten hockeyteams will look toresolveany glaring concerns with the start of conference play looming next week. Salvaging what has been a disappointing nonconference showing outside of Minnesotas string of success likely tops that list of priorities.

Penn State at UMass-Lowell

The Nittany Lions have scored an average of 3.88 goals per game while allowing an average of just two each contest. Penn States success could be summed up in those statistics alone, but the goaltending of Matt Skoff and the teams lethality on the power play are prominent reasons, too.

UMass-Lowell is the only team scoring more than the Nittany Lions, though, at an astounding rate of 4.22 goals per game. This weekend should be a shootout with potent power-play units and lackluster penalty-killing teams (UML ranks No. 38 in the latter category, PSU No. 49)meeting in Massachusetts.

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