MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The Minnesota Golden Gophers continued their dominance over Penn State at 3M Arena, earning their seventh straight home win over the Nittany Lions with a 3–2 victory Friday night.
Penn State weathered heavy pressure early as Minnesota came out firing, but goaltender Josh Fleming, who entered the night with the Big Ten’s second-best save percentage (.934), stood tall and turned away every early chance.
As Penn State settled in, the Nittany Lions created pressure of their own. A costly turnover by Minnesota in its defensive zone led to Reese Laubach’s third goal of the season, putting Penn State up 1–0.
Minutes later, it looked as if the Nittany Lions might begin to pull away. Gavin McKenna, who entered the night leading all freshman skaters nationally in assists, recorded his 12th helper of the season by setting up Laubach for his second goal of the game and a 2–0 Penn State lead.
But Minnesota seized momentum in the second period.
Defenseman Axel Begley cut the deficit to one, burying a feed from John Mittelstadt, who finished with a pair of assists. Then, after Penn State defenseman Jackson Smith was called for cross-checking, Minnesota took advantage of a struggling power play unit to tie the game 2–2.
The Gophers struck again less than two minutes later, when Mason Moe scored what proved to be the game-winner.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Penn State’s inability to capitalize on special teams loomed large. Despite facing one of the nation’s weakest penalty kills, the Nittany Lions went 0-for-6 on the power play, generating just one power-play shot deep into the third period.
Penn State came inches from tying the game in the final seconds, when defenseman Mac Gadowsky fired a shot that initially appeared to beat Nathan Airey. However, review confirmed that the puck crossed the line after time expired.
Nittany Sports Now Three Stars
Third Star — Reese Laubach (Penn State, F)
Laubach set the tone early with two goals, led Penn State with five shots on goal, and won two key faceoffs late.
Second Star — Axel Begley (Minnesota, D)
Begley has been central to Minnesota’s resurgence after a slow start to the season. His goal shifted momentum, and he made key plays on both ends to help the Gophers claw back into the game.
First Star — Nathan Airey (Minnesota, G)
Airey was sharp all night and delivered under constant pressure, turning aside a barrage of Penn State chances to secure the win.
