The night after possibly the biggest win in Penn State men’s hockey history, the team came down to earth and dropped its series finale to No. 1 Michigan.
But it didn’t go down without a fight.
A furious third-period rally turned a 3-0 deficit into a tie game. But a goal by Michigan’s Adam Fantilli ended it in overtime.
Michigan (8-2, 1-1) drew first blood a little more than eight and a half minutes in on a power play goal by Mackie Samoskevich, assisted by T.J. Hughes and Dylan Duke. Hughes scored Michigan’s second goal less than four minutes later, doubling the lead with assists from Luke Hughes– former first-round NHL draft choice and brother of New Jersey Devils’ center Jack Hughes– and Philippe Lapointe.
Michigan added a third goal in the second period, and it looked like things might be over.
But the Nittany Lions (9-1, 3-1) came roaring back with three goals in the third period to tie the game.
Tyler Paquette scored with 8:08 left in the game on assists from Xander Lamppa and Carter Schade. With 6:57 to go, Kevin Wall made it 3-2 with helpers by Ryan Kirwin and Christian Sarlo. Then, with 4:09 left, Penn State tied it when Xander Lamppa turned Pegula into a madhouse. Christian Sarlo and Tyler Paquette had assists on the game-tying goal.
GOODBYE ROOF! pic.twitter.com/zkFk9a6xxd
— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) November 6, 2022
But the momentum didn’t last.
Michigan goalie Noah West saved 32 of 35 shots. West played his second straight game in Pegula, starting in place of Buffalo Sabres third-round draft choice Erik Portillo. For Penn State, goalie Liam Souliere had 21 saves on 25 shots.
Penn State men’s hockey’s next game is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10, at Minnesota. Faceoff is set for 8. The Lions and Gophers also play Friday, Nov. 11.
