One word consistently filled all Michigan hockey previews ahead of the 2020-21 season: potential. The Wolverines brought in one of the most electric freshman classes ever with incredible talent and a Frozen Four ceiling, but there were some question marks surrounding a very young roster.
So far, that potential remains largely untapped. Michigan sits ninth in the USCHO poll but has just a .500 record, dropping fives of its last six games ahead of the break. There is still everything to play for, but the Wolverines did not expect to be 13 points out of first place come the turn of the calendar.