Columbus, OH — A night after the two teams combined for 17 penalties and three official reviews, No. 4 Penn State capitalized on three power-play opportunities to earn a 4–3 win over No. 17 Ohio State at Value City Arena, completing the weekend sweep.
Penn State struck early on its first power play when forwards Gavin McKenna and Reese Laubach set up defenseman Jackson Smith for a booming slapshot.
Though it initially appeared the puck hadn’t crossed the goal line, officials reviewed the play and confirmed that Smith’s shot beat goaltender Sam Hillebrandt, who was making his first start of the season after Kristoffer Eberly had started the previous seven games. The goal gave Penn State an early 1–0 lead.
After Ohio State forward Ethan Straky took a slashing penalty, the Nittany Lions again made the Buckeyes pay. Forward JJ Wiebusch found his linemate Matt DiMarsico across the crease, and DiMarsico buried the puck behind Hillebrandt to make it 2–0.
Penn State dominated early, outshooting Ohio State 7–0 in the opening 10 minutes.
But the Buckeyes rallied, outshooting Penn State 13–2 the rest of the period and tying the game at 2–2 on goals from Adam Eisele and Felix Caron, the latter ripping a one-timer from the left circle.
The Nittany Lions reasserted control in the second period, outshooting the Buckeyes 16–7.
After a scrum following a hit on McKenna, Penn State used the ensuing power play to regain momentum. McKenna and DiMarsico set up Wiebusch, who scored his 11th goal of the season — and sixth on the power play — extending both his national lead in power-play goals and his goal-scoring streak to five games.
With under a minute remaining in the second period, defenseman Mac Gadowsky found forward Dane Dowiak, who scored his second goal of the series to push Penn State’s lead to 4–2.
Ohio State pulled its goalie late in the third period, and defenseman William Smith cut the deficit to one, but Penn State held strong to secure the 4–3 victory.
The Nittany Lions (9–1–0, 2–0–0 Big Ten) will travel to face No. 1 Michigan State next week.
Nittany Sports Now’s Three Stars of the Game
Third Star – Gavin McKenna
McKenna continues to find his stride in college hockey, recording two assists and driving play throughout the night. Despite missing a late empty-net chance, he’s emerging as a true playmaker and has elevated his line with Ben Schoen and Reese Laubach, especially with Aiden Fink out.
Second Star – Matt DiMarsico
DiMarsico delivered another multi-point performance. His first-period power-play goal showcased his finishing touch and his ability to dominate around the crease.
First Star – JJ Wiebusch
Wiebusch remains red-hot. His crisp cross-ice feed to DiMarsico on the first power play was pinpoint, and his own goal extended his scoring streak to five games. He continues to pace the nation in power-play production.
