Big Ten Suspends Michigan's Downing Two Games, Porikos One Game

The Big Ten announced supplemental suspensions to a pair of Michigan defensemen following last Saturday's 3-2 loss against Minnesota. Michael Downing was suspended for two games, while Niko Porikos was suspended for one game.

Downing received a five-minute major and game misconduct for contact to the head at 12:12 of the second period. It was Downing's sixth game misconduct in his three-year college career, and third contact to the head game misconduct against Minnesota. Here's video of the hit.

Here's the Downing hit on Connor Reilly, he was given the major pic.twitter.com/xwIQJuD3Lr

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) December 13, 2015

Porikos received a two-minute indirect contact to the head elbowing penalty at 7:56 of the second period. Here's video of the hit:

Niko Porikos hit on Jack Ramsey pic.twitter.com/llbxj4EmHG

— CJ Fogler (@cjzero) December 13, 2015

The suspensions leave Michigan short-handed on the blue line for the upcoming Great Lakes Invitational, especially with top defenseman Zach Werenski expected to be at the World Juniors. They'll have six defensemen for their tournament opening game against Northern Michigan, though will have to dress some players that have been used sparingly this season.