Big Ten Hockey Preview: Quick return to nonconference play

Minnesota needs only one win to give its conference the collective victory in the second annual Big Ten/Hockey East challenge. This Thanksgiving weekend marks the first time all Big Ten hockey teams will be in simultaneous action this season. The Big Ten/Hockey East challenge will also come to a conclusion this weekend, with the Big Ten holding a narrow 22-20 points advantage entering the final two games.

Penn State vs. Cornell

The Nittany Lions had a splendid chance to sweep Michigan in its own building, butinstead sufferedan absolute debacle. Penn State looked uninspired and flat in the lopsided loss, allowing plenty of questions to rise as towhether this teams 6-2-2 start is at all legitimate.

This game will be playedin neutral territory at Madison Square Garden, and Penn States performance will speak loudly to its resilience and mentality heading into the heart of its schedule. The Nittany Lions score at a great rate, averaging 3.5 goals per game. An offense like that always has a chance to win, but they will have to get back on track defensively for a well-rounded weekend.