This past weekend marked the first of the Big Ten hockey season that contained a full slate of conference matchups, but what was expected to be an intriguing weekendyielded a string of blowouts. Michigan and Penn State gained separation from the rest of theleague with lopsided wins over Ohio State and Wisconsin, respectively. Minnesota responded nicely from a surprising loss to Northeastern last weekend with a 5-0 victory at Michigan State on Friday.

2. Penn State

Even though the Nittany Lions stand alone at the top of the conference standings, theyre still trying to find ways to win on a consistent basis. A pair of victories in Madison isnt as impressive as it used to be, but Penn State is proving its a legitimate threat night in and night out in the Big Ten.

David Goodwin netted one goal and three assists to pace the Nittany Lions in their 5-2 victory over Wisconsin on Friday. A 4-2 win on Saturday was good enough to send Goodwin and company back to Happy Valley feeling quite satisfied.

Penn State continues to score goals at a threatening rate, now averaging 3.47 goals per game after putting nine up on the Badgers.

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