Penn State men’s hockey works to fix self-inflicted issues before facing No. 2 Michigan

It’s not you, it’s me.

The short statement has been the reason offered for many breakups through the years.

For the Penn State men’s hockey team, though, it’s a consistent mantra about putting things together — identifying a problem and finding a solution. It’s a message about focusing on yourself, as opposed to your opponent.

So, the fifth-ranked Nittany Lions spent a little extra time on themselves this week.

After two losses to top-ranked Michigan State last week, coach Guy Gadowsky believes his team’s performances were the result of a lack of urgency at times and some systematic issues at other times. After extra time spent on evaluation early this week, he believes many of Penn State’s problems were self-inflicted, and that they can be fixed.

And, thanks to the rhythm of college hockey, Penn State gets a chance to put its latest self-improvement plan into practice without much delay — this time against the nation’s second-ranked team, Michigan, during a two-game series that begins Friday night at Pegula Ice Arena.

“In many aspects we worked hard but not as smart (against Michigan State),” Gadowsky said. “At times were just chasing pucks instead of playing smart.”

Penn State remains the nation’s most penalized team, with 269 penalty minutes. Michigan is second (244) and only one other team has more than 200 minutes.

So, while Penn State looks to establish its preferred fast-paced and focused identity, it seems likely one or both teams will be playing short-handed from time to time this weekend.

Michigan leads the nation with 61 goals. Penn State is third with 42. Additionally, Michigan ranks second nationally by converting 34.6% of its power-play opportunities.

Penn State has the Big Ten Conference’s best penalty-kill unit to this point of the season, stopping opponents 89.7% of the time. Still, the Nittany Lions surrendered five goals in the second of its two losses last weekend, and with several players nursing injuries, including standout Aiden Fink, more line adjustments and changes seem likely this weekend as the team seeks both consistency and some spark.

Gadowsky said the team has confidence in both its goaltenders and a split in duties could be possible again this weekend.

Overall, the team is preaching an upbeat approach that they hope to put into practice. It’s a me-first mindset they hope pays dividends.

“We’re just fixing things and getting them out of the way,” senior defenseman Carter Schade said. “We’re taking a positive attitude.”

No. 5 Penn State (9-3, 2-2 Big Ten) vs. No. 2 Michigan (10-2, 3-1)

Series: 7 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday

Audio/Radio: 93.7 FM, GoPSUsports.com

Streaming/TV: B1G+

Notable: The Saturday night game offers the backdrop for Penn State’s annual Teddy Bear Toss. … Michigan leads the all-time series, 31-20-1, and the Wolverines hold an advantage at Pegula Ice Arena as well, 12-10-1. … Michigan split a series at home against No. 7 Wisconsin last weekend.