Adam Fantilli scored two goals and added two assists to lead No. 7 Michigan to a win over No. 6 Penn State hockey 7-3 Friday night at Yost Ice Arena.
Not our night. pic.twitter.com/RCl9fmhj6f
— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) January 28, 2023
In the early going, Penn State hockey (18-8-1) looked to take advantage of what seemed like a lethargic Michigan (15-9-1) team. Penn State was taking control of the action until Michigan scored on its first shot of the game. Jackson Hallam scored, assisted by Seamus Casey and Gavin Brentley.
It got worse for Penn State. Tyler Paquette got called for tripping and Michigan took advantage of the man advantage when Fantilli scored, assisted by Luke Hughes and Brently. Michigan got back on the power play when Ben Schoen was called for tripping, however, Penn State managed to kill the minor penalty. Penn State kept getting opportunities to cut into the deficit but Michigan goalie Erik Portillo kept turning it away. Penn State went on its first power play when Mark Estapa got called for delay of game, but it failed to capitalize.
Michigan led Penn State 2-0 after the first period despite being outshot 18-7 and losing the faceoff battle 13-5. Michigan blocked eight Penn State shots in the first period.
Penn State went on a five-minute power play when Jay Karanen got called for boarding Schoen and received a game misconduct. Penn State capitalized six seconds later when Xander Lamppa scored on a goal that Paquette and Christian Sarlo assisted. But Michigan scored two goals in less than a minute shortly after Penn State. First, Rutger McGroarty scored on a one-timer assisted by Casey and Fantilli, and then Phillipe Lapointe scored on a breakaway that Fantilli assisted. Penn State goalie Liam Souliere was pulled from the game after allowing four goals on 14 shots in favor of Dylan Gratton. Penn State scored when Lampa stole the punk in the Michigan zone and zipped a shot past Portillo.
Michigan led Penn State 4-2 after the second period. Penn State outshot Michigan 20-12 in the period and won 12 of 22 faceoffs.
Michigan started to control the puck at the beginning of the third period, beginning a free-flowing game playing positionless hockey. Penn State controlled the game despite trailing. Penn State was still getting shots on goal but couldn’t not capitalize. Penn State started to keep pressure on Michigan, but Michigan continued to hold strong defensively. Fantilli scored his second goal of the game on an empty net, and Luke Hughes also scored on an empty net goal. Alex Servgano scored a late goal to make it 6-3. Luca Fantilli, Adam’s brother, scored another empty-net goal with 12 seconds left to conclude the scoring.
Penn State lost despite outshooting Michigan 54-27 and winning the faceoff battle 39-38. Michigan capitalized on its opportunities.
Penn State will finish its series with Michigan Saturday. Faceoff is at 7.
Twitter: @bwalkerdadon
