Penn State (16-12-4, 8-7-1 B1G) vs. Michigan (19-11-0, 11-5-0 B1G): March 6 at 7 p.m.; March 7 at 3 p.m.
Penn State is eight points behind Michigan, and the Nittany Lions could limit that gap if they can sweep the Wolverines. But Michigan is on the bubble in the PairWise, and this series could impact where the Wolverines fall.
Michigan is on a three-game winning streak, just after a three-game losing skid. The Wolverines defeated the Badgers and Ohio State over that stretch, but have been playing better as a whole since the sweep to Minnesota. Steve Racine has started the last five games for Michigan, and posted his first career shutout on Friday.
Michigans offense still leads the nation, and Penn State takes the most shots in the country, averaging 50.53 shots on goal per game. The Nittany Lions have won one of their last six games, an overtime win against Minnesota. Holstroms loss is a big one for the Nittany Lions, as Holstom has 33 points and averages 1.14 points per game this season.
Its been a difficult second half of the season for Penn State, and to me they dont seem like the complete team from the first half of the season.
Prediction: Michigan sweeps