Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1179560
ton Phillips to the fray. Whether that talent translates into a team that can defend better than the one that allowed a Big Ten-worst 3.56 goals per game re- mains to be seen. That, players say, re- quires a team-wide commitment to defending well, and isn't dependent solely on the talent Penn State has on the back end. 3 The Nittany Lions own what should be the nation's top line. Here's a stat that puts in perspective the kind of year Liam Folkes, Evan Bar- ratt and Alex Limoges put together last season: With 57 goals between them, they outscored a pair of teams – Alaska Anchorage and Colgate. All three of them are back, having turned down pro offers because of "unfinished business." Notably, Barratt is healthy now, after playing through a hip injury late last season. 4 It could take a little while for Penn State to click, with a pair of new faces down the middle. While the production that Penn State returns is substantial, it's worth noting that the Nittany Lions must replace a pair of very good centers in Chase Berger and Ludvig Larsson. Rather than look outside the program for answers, coach Guy Gadowsky opted to slide two of his wingers – Aarne Talvitie and Nate Sucese – into the middle of the ice. Both players have experience at the position and are extremely talented, but it could take some time as they adjust to the new roles. This is the year. Expectations are justifiably high for the Nittany Lions this season, with Big Ten coaches choosing Penn State as the preseason favorite in the confer- ence. But this could be the best shot the Lions have to make some noise for a while, with several key seniors set to graduate and possible pro jumps loom- ing. ■ MICHIGAN The Wolverines are always talented, but they lost an elite defense- man when Quinn Hughes headed to the NHL. Michigan does return Will Lock- wood, its most productive forward from a season ago. After a disappointing fin- ish last year, a finish that came on the heels of a Frozen Four run the year be- fore, it's tough to get a clear read on the Wolverines in Mel Pearson's third season behind the bench. NOTRE DAME Goaltender and noted Penn State nemesis Cale Morris is back. That will always make the Irish danger- ous. OHIO STATE The Buckeyes won the Big Ten regular-season title last season, but it's hard to see them avoiding a letdown after losing superstar Mason Jobst. Tanner Laczynski returns, and will have to produce excellent numbers for Ohio State to stay on its current trajectory. WISCONSIN With arguably the best recruiting class in the country adding to a roster already full of talent, the Badgers are due for a serious improvement after missing the PREVIEWING PSU'S BIG TEN RIVALS 5 MICHIGAN MAN Pear- son is in his third sea- son as head coach of the Wolverines. He guided the team to the Frozen Four in 2018, but Michigan missed the NCAA tournament last year. Photo by Patrick Barron/MGoBlog