The second of two games at Minnesota didn’t go as well for Penn State men’s hockey.
The eight-ranked Nittany Lions beat the top-ranked Gophers, 4-2, Thursday night, making it the second time in less than a week Penn State beat a No. 1 team. It also beat No. 1 Michigan in Pegula Ice Arena the previous Friday.
Game 2 of the set with Minnesota didn’t go Penn State’s way, with the Gophers shaking off a 1-0 deficit to win, 3-1. Two third-period goals by Bryce Brodzinski made the difference.
Penn State (10-2, 4-2 Big Ten) drew first blood 10:26 into the game. Christian Sarlo scored on an assist by Xander Lamppa to put Penn State ahead, 1-0. It stayed 1-0 for the rest of the period.
Strong play by Lamps to take the puck away near the goal and beautiful vision to find Sarlo for the early lead!! pic.twitter.com/tcSKzS6xEB
— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) November 12, 2022
Minnesota (8-4, 4-2 Big Ten) answered late in the second period when Mason Nevers tipped the puck past Penn State goalie Liam Souliere, tying it at one.
Come for the goal
stay for the celly pic.twitter.com/s3zizDgqbC
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) November 12, 2022
It remained 1-1 through the rest of the second period. In the third period, the Gophers took command with Brodzinski’s two goals.
Brodzinski’s first goal came 6:55 into the third period after he took advantage of an unsuccessful Penn State clearance. His second happened a little more than a minute later, set up by a Penn State turnover behind its net.
.@bbrodzyy is ON FIRE right now 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PJ6AIYRD4w
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) November 12, 2022
A Bryce Brodzinski beauty
So nice he's done it twice! pic.twitter.com/9dEucU2iVo
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) November 12, 2022
Both of Penn State’s losses through 12 games are to teams that were ranked No. 1 at the time of the meeting. Michigan beat Penn State in overtime last Saturday.
Penn State men’s hockey plays its next game is Friday, Nov. 18, back home at Pegula. Face-off is scheduled for 7. Penn State takes on Sparty against the next night at a time yet to be determined.
