Penn State men’s hockey came out firing on all cylinders in an 8-0 beatdown against Michigan Tech Friday night in the NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinal. A Regional Final date with Big Ten foe Michigan awaits the Nittany Lions at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, in Allentown.

The Wolverines, meanwhile, beat Colgate 11-1 on Friday in their Regional Semifinal matchup. These teams are suddenly on a roll, which should make for an intriguing matchup. Our staffers took their best guess on who’ll earn a trip to the Frozen Four.

Nolan Wick: Michigan 4, Penn State 2

This is an interesting matchup given the history between these two teams. This is the fifth time Penn State and Michigan play each other this season and, despite the latter being better on paper, I could see either team winning.

Liam Souliere was lights-out in goal on Friday, and the rest of the team dominated from start to finish. If Souliere in particular keeps it up, it’s very possible that Penn State makes it to the Frozen Four.

Ultimately, though, I think Penn State’s season comes to an end in Allentown. Michigan is fully healthy and also red-hot, which bodes well against almost any opponent the Wolverines face. However, don’t completely count out the Nittany Lions because it wouldn’t be surprising to see them play another great game and steal a win to advance to the Frozen Four for the first time in program history.

Devon Craley: Michigan 3, Penn State 2

Penn State played great on Saturday, blowing out Michigan Tech 8-0. The only problem is, Michigan somehow played better. The Wolverines blew out Colgate 11-1 and are red-hot at the right time.

I predict that Penn state will put up a fight and keep this close, but the Wolverines have too much offensive firepower coupled with their defense and goaltending. A great season for the Nittany Lions comes to an end in Allentown at the hands of a team that could very well win the National Championship.

Frankie Marzano: Penn State 6, Michigan 1

I’m making this pick entirely based on the vibes, and they’re very high in the Penn State locker room right now. Friday’s win over Michigan Tech must have given a massive confidence boost to the Nittany Lions, especially after having a tough end to the regular season.

If Liam Souliere continues to play like a brick wall between the pipes, he will give Penn State a chance. Obviously, it will take a whole lot more than Souliere to win this game. But, Penn State already defeated Michigan this season, and it can certainly do it again. I don’t think Penn State will lose this one. Give me the Nittany Lions, baby.

Gabe Angieri: Michigan 3, Penn State 2

I picked against Penn State on Friday, and I turned out to be wrong. However, I’m going to do it again.

Maybe I’d feel better about the Nittany Lions in this one if Michigan didn’t also dominate its first-round opponent. Both teams have momentum, but ultimately, I think the Wolverines have the better squad. It’ll be a close one, but Michigan will punch its ticket to the Frozen Four.