No. 10/11 Penn State hockey fought hard and fought well, but ultimately, fell short against No. 2 Michigan in the NCAA Tournament Regional Final in Allentown Sunday night, losing 2-1 in overtime.
Michigan’s Mackie Samoskevich, a projected first-round draft pick, rocketed the game-winner past Penn State goalie Liam Souliere 52 seconds into overtime for the win.
— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) March 27, 2023
Souliere played his heart out, saving 41 of 43 shots.
Penn State ends the season with a 22-16 record. Michigan (25-11-3) is moving on to the Frozen Four for the 27th time. It would have been Penn State’s first trip.
The game was scoreless after the first period.
It remained scoreless until 18:58 into the second period when Connor McEachern put Penn State ahead with a power play goal. Christian Berger and Paul DeNaples each had assists.
THIS. PLACE. IS. LOUD.
📺 ESPN2#WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/YrFAIxSlOb
— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) March 27, 2023
On its third power play of the night, Michigan converted to tie the game 12:13 into the third period. It was Big Ten Freshman of the Year and projected first-round draft choice Adam Fantilli who scored his 29th goal in 35 games to tie it up.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Adam Fantilli with his 29th goal of the season from Rutger McGroarty and Mackie Samoskevich. WE ARE tied. pic.twitter.com/RSYpgWbIX5
— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) March 27, 2023
Neither team scored for the rest of regulation, so the game went to overtime.
Souliere ended regulation with 40 saves on 41 shots. Michigan goalie Erik Portillo wasn’t too bad, either. He made 31 saves on 32 shots.
Overtime didn’t last long, as Samoskevich broke Nittany Nation’s collective heart less than a minute in.
Michigan takes on No. 1 Quinnipiac Friday, April 6, at 8 in Tampa.
All in all, it was a successful season for Penn State that culminated with its third trip to the NCAA Tournament and matching its best tournament finish. Remember, the program has only been in the NCAA since the 2012-13 season.
