Junior defenseman Chad Langlais is one of the elder statesman of the Michigan hockey program. Now 23, he’s been a regular on the ice since his freshman season, and he’s part of a small nucleus that makes up the Wolverines' leadership corps.

The group has been tested this year, especially during a 5-8 stretch from Nov. 6-Dec. 29. Michigan’s winning percentage of .567 is the lowest since the 1987-88 team finished at .537.

"I think that's why we have come together because (the first half) is the worst Michigan has done in a while," Langlais said Tuesday. "But we've stuck through it together.

"I think it's made everyone a little bit older and a little bit wiser. We've experienced the bottom of the (Central Collegiate Hockey Association). Now, we want to get a little taste of the top."

The next two weekends will dictate where in the standings Michigan (13-10-1, 8-7-1-0 CCHA) will reside. After moving into sixth place with a split against Alaska, the Wolverines will face third-place No. 9 Ferris State (16-6-2, 10-4-2-2 CCHA) this weekend before seeing second-place Michigan State for a pair of games to finish out the month.

Before sweeping Western Michigan on Jan. 8-9, Michigan’s veterans called a players-only meeting to stress the importance of persevering through adversity.

The Wolverines responded, winning four of their last five games. Even in Saturday night's 4-3 shootout loss to Alaska, Michigan erased a two-goal deficit thanks to a late goal by Langlais that forced overtime. Langlais has two goals and eight assists this season.

"We were at a low point (earlier in the season), but I think somehow, we maintained our confidence level," Langlais said. "I think with some goals and with some wins, I think that confidence gets higher. We just can't get too high."

Michigan coach Red Berenson said he still sees too much inconsistency and undisciplined play, like on Saturday night when a pair of second-period penalties helped put the Wolverines in a 3-1 hole.

Langlais said Michigan's upperclassmen understand the role in keeping the Wolverines on the right track. While much of their influence comes off the ice, Berenson has seen veterans like Langlais and senior forward Brian Lebler (seven goals, six assists) struggle with inconsistency, too.

"(The veterans) have been up and down like everyone else," Berenson said. "But from my perspective, this is their time for them to step forward and play their best hockey."

Jeff Arnold covers Michigan hockey for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at jeffarnold@annarbor.com or 734-623-2554. Follow him at Twitter @jeffreyparnold.