Five teams will play for the Big Ten this weekend, as both Penn State and Michigan return from byes. The Badgers will be idle for the third time in the past month. Several teams will be tested this week, as the Gophers should have tougher competition against Minnesota-Duluth in a home-and-home series.

Penn State at UMass-Lowell: Nov. 14 at 7:15 p.m.; Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.

Penn State returns from a bye week to face UMass Lowell. The River Hawks split their Big Ten games earlier, beating Michigan State but falling 8-4 to the Wolverines. Penn States only Hockey East opponent was UConn, and the Nittany Lions swept that series by a combined score of 10-2.

The Nittany Lions have won four in a row, but all those wins were against AHA opponents. Taylor Holstrom has 11 points this season, which is tied for second in the Big Ten. And Holmstrom is the only non-Gopher who ranks in the top five in Big Ten scoring. Matthew Skoffs .932 save percentage leads the conference.

The River Hawks entered this season without Connor Hellebuyck, leaving the netminding situation in question. Jeff Smith has played in four games this season, but has the nations 10th-best save percentage at .940. He has started three of the teams last five games, splitting time with Kevin Boyle.

UMass Lowell has been an up-and-down team this season. After a three-game winning streak, the River Hawks split their series with Northeastern. UMass Lowell suffered a lot from turnover at the end of last season, so its no surprise if they struggle.