EAST LANSING, Mich. — When Penn State and Michigan State meet at Munn Ice Arena, overtime is almost inevitable. Four of their last six matchups have required extra time, and Friday night was no different.
Top-ranked Michigan State edged No. 3 Penn State 2–1 in overtime, using its trademark defense and physicality to stifle one of the nation’s most explosive offenses.
Spartans head coach Adam Nightingale entered the night with a clear game plan: neutralize Penn State’s top line of Matt DiMarsico, Charlie Cerrato, and JJ Wiebusch. The trio, which had recorded points in every game this season, was held off the scoresheet for the first time all year.
Penn State, averaging more than 38 shots per game entering the matchup, managed just 25 shots on goal, a testament to Michigan State’s suffocating defensive structure.
The physical tone was set early. Midway through the first period, Michigan State forward Patrick Geary delivered a high hit on Penn State’s Nic Chin-Degraves. After a lengthy review, officials ruled it a minor penalty, determining the contact was indirect.
Moments later, the Spartans capitalized. Eric Nilson fed Anthony Romani, who slipped the puck past Penn State goaltender Kevin Reidler for a 1–0 lead.
Penn State’s best chance in the opening frame came off a turnover forced by Cerrato in the Spartan zone, but his stick failed him at the critical moment.
The second period featured more scrums and heavy checking, including a heated exchange between Lev Katzin and Owen West along the boards.
Penn State nearly drew even when Michigan State goalie Trey Augustine vacated his crease, but Wiebusch’s sharp-angle attempt missed wide.
Later in the period, the Nittany Lions broke through. Gavin McKenna netted his fourth goal of the season, finishing off a setup from Ben Schoen and Reese Laubach to tie the game at one apiece.
Neither team could break the deadlock in the third period, forcing overtime — the fifth between these programs in their last seven meetings.
In the extra session, Tommi Männistö found Tiernan Shoudy in front, and Shoudy buried the game-winner to give the Spartans the victory and preserve their No. 1 national ranking.
Nittany Sports Now’s Three Stars
Third Star – Kevin Reidler, Goaltender, Penn State
Despite the loss, Reidler was outstanding, keeping the Nittany Lions alive under relentless Spartan pressure. Neither goal he allowed was soft, and he battled evenly with one of the nation’s best goaltenders.
Second Star – Trey Augustine, Goaltender, Michigan State
The reigning Big Ten Goaltender of the Year was sharp once again. McKenna’s redirection spoiled a potential third shutout, but Augustine was otherwise flawless, denying every quality Penn State chance.
First Star – Tiernan Shoudy, Forward, Michigan State
With overtime waning and a shootout looming, Shoudy seized the moment. His game-winning goal secured another marquee victory for Michigan State and further strengthened its case as the nation’s top team.
