After a perfect 8-0 start to its season, Penn State faced its most daunting challenge to date, playing host to the No. 1 ranked Michigan Wolverines on Friday.
The No. 13 Nittany Lions responded to this task with clear resolve, blanking the opposition 3-0.
With this major rival in the building, the Nittany Lions knew they’d have to be the aggressors from puck drop. They displayed a willingness to get physical much earlier in the game compared to their usual playstyle in the opening frame.
Through the first ten minutes of action, Penn State fired off 12 shots compared to the Wolverines’ three, in addition to laying down a number of battering ram-style hits.