Ann Arbor — Michigan first-year head coach Mel Pearson has reason to be optimistic with the Wolverines, who played well in consecutive 2-1 losses to No. 1 Notre Dame Jan. 5-7 before sweeping Minnesota in Minneapolis last weekend, 5-3 and 3-1.
Now, the Wolverines (10-10-2) are ranked No. 20 and will play host to No. 12 Penn State (13-8-3) this weekend at Yost Arena in hopes of moving up in the Big Ten standings.
Pearson, who replaced legendary coach Red Berenson, wanted to see one of his goalies emerge as the solid No.