Tourney Talk: Thoughts Heading Into Big Ten Tournament

By Miles McQuinn

What a wild finish to the Big Ten Conference regular season. All six teams are set to make their journey to Joe Louis Arena with the hopes of not only a conference title, but the chance to play for an NCAA title as well. Unfortunately, it looks like the Big Ten will only have one, maybe two representatives in the big dance this year. Regardless, here's my thoughts on each team as an exciting weekend in the motor city quickly approaches.

Michigan, Penn State Lead Season Awards

The Big Ten announced its end of the year awards Monday morning. Michigan and Penn State tied for nine awards a piece, with Michigan's freshman phenom Dylan Larkin being a unanimous selection in three categories. Michigan State netminder Jake Hildebrand made an impression this year. His outstanding play between the pipes -- where he led the conference in every goaltending category -- earned him Player of the Year and Goaltender of the Year. Minnesota's Mike Reilly also found himself in a familiar place, winning the Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.