Penn State falls to No. 1 Minnesota, 3-1, in series split

by:William James11/11/22

The No. 8-ranked Penn State men’s hockey program fell short of a series sweep as the No. 1-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers gave them their first regulation loss, a 3-1 defeat at 3M Arena at Mariucci. 

The Nittany Lions fell to 10-2 on the season with the loss, and 4-2 in Big Ten play. 

How it happened

Christian Sarlo got the scoring started for both teams with his goal late in the first period assisted by Xander Lamppa, which gave the Nittany Lions a 1-0 lead to start the game. That would be all the scoring action the Lions would see on the night. 

The Gophers scored late in the second period with a deflection goal from Mason Nevers, assisted by Mike Koster on the power play. Moving into the third-period Bryce Brodzinski gave the Gophers a 2-1 lead following his goal, assisted by Jaxson Nelson, with just a little over 13 minutes to play in the third period. Brodzinski followed his goal up quickly with another goal just under a minute later. Nelson was credited with the assist on this goal as well. 

Throughout the game, the Lions lacked discipline, allowing the Gophers to go on the power play six times, including one early in the third for too many men on the ice penalty. Not only that, but the Lions had also too many giveaways in both their offensive and defensive zones, which ultimately led to more scoring opportunities for the Gophers. 

On the bright side of things, in the first two periods of the game the Lions’ defense looked dominant, tiring out the Gophers’ offensive attack, and clogging the lane, allowing very few shot attempts close to the net. 

Christian Berger shined tonight on the penalty kill unit, clearing the puck three times for the Lions PK unit as the second period dwindled, and was inches away from a goal late in the third period as Penn State had an extra attacker on the ice. 

What’s next for Penn State

Penn State looks to rebound after their loss next Friday, Nov. 18, when the Lions take on the Michigan State Spartans at Pegula Ice Arena.   

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