It was more of the same Friday night at Yost Ice Arena. The inconsistent No. 13 Michigan Wolverines (14-11-2, 8-8-1 B1G) succumbed to untimely penalties in a devastating 5-4 loss to the Penn State Nittany Lions (12-10-3, 3-9-3).
Unlike the gong show that unfolded in Happy Valley last time these two squared off, this game got off to a surprisingly calm start. Michigan was sharp in passing lanes and dominated the offensive zone puck possession.
Most encouragingly, the Wolverines played with poise. They didn’t rush opportunities, they stayed in their defensive structure, and goaltender Logan Stein looked like his typical stout self.