Penn State at Minnesota
Drew: This series features two teams looking to put last weekend in the rear-view mirror. Paula got a chance to see the Nittany Lions play so she would have a better insight on them, but the Gophers looked bad at the North Star Cup. Minnesota’s play was uninspired and the Gophers flat-out struggled to score at even strength. I could see Penn State picking up a sweep this weekend, but I think Eric Shierhorn steals a game for Minnesota.
Paula: The Nittany Lions looked good in their 6-3 loss to Michigan Saturday — as good as anyone can look until the Wolverines’ overwhelming third period takes control of a game, that is. Minnesota lost 4-2 to Bemidji State and 3-2 to Minnesota State and coach Don Lucia said it all when he said that the Gophers don’t win when they only manage two goals in a game. These teams split in State College earlier this season, with the Nittany Lions taking the first game 3-2 in overtime (Jan. 8) and the Gophers winning 7-1 the following night. Penn State enters this series with a three-game losing streak, but it was only in the first of those games that the Nittany Lions were held to a single goal; PSU scored seven in two losses against the Wolverines. Friday’s game begins at 7:00 p.m. and is televised by the Big Ten Network. Saturday’s game begins at 4:00 p.m. and is carried by Fox Sports North.
Drew’s picks: Penn State 4-3, Minnesota 2-1.
Paula’s picks: Penn State 3-2, Minnesota 4-2.
Source: USCHO.com Blogs :: Big Ten Blog :: U.S. College Hockey Online