University Park, PA — Penn State’s offensive struggles from last weekend’s sweep at No. 1 Michigan State carried into Friday night, as No. 2 Michigan dominated the Nittany Lions 7–1 at Pegula Ice Arena.
Michigan struck early in the first period on special teams. Forward Nick Moldenhauer connected with Josh Eernisse on the penalty kill for the Wolverines’ nation-leading seventh shorthanded goal of the season, putting Michigan ahead 1–0.
Later in the period, Michigan forward Michael Hage found Will Horcoff for his 12th goal of the season, tops in the nation, to extend the Wolverines’ advantage to 2–0.
Moldenhauer added another goal late in the first, stretching the lead to 3–0 and capping a suffocating defensive effort that held Penn State to just eight shots in the opening frame.
Early in the second period, Michigan’s Garrett Schifsky made it 4–0 before Penn State finally generated sustained pressure, registering 12 shots in the period.
Penn State eventually snapped its scoreless drought at 125:34 of game time when Charlie Cerrato set up Shea Van Olm for his second goal of the season, cutting the deficit to 4–1.
That was the end of Penn State’s offense, however. Michigan added three goals in the third period and held the Nittany Lions to only seven shots on goal over the final 20 minutes.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Special teams continued to be a problem for Penn State, as its power-play drought extended to 12 consecutive opportunities without a goal.
The seven goals allowed were the most Penn State has surrendered at Pegula Ice Arena since a 10–6 loss to Michigan on November 23, 2024.
Penn State will look to snap its three-game skid and earn a split Saturday against No. 2 Michigan at 6 p.m. ET at Pegula Ice Arena. The game will stream on Big Ten Plus.
Nittany Sports Now’s Three Stars of the Game
Third Star — Nick Moldenhauer (Michigan, F)
Moldenhauer was a constant problem for Penn State. His two-point night (goal, assist) set the tone, and he was active in all three zones—disrupting Penn State’s offense while creating pressure at the other end.
Second Star — Jack Ivankovic (Michigan, G)
Ivankovic delivered a performance reminiscent of Michigan State’s Trey Augustine last weekend, shutting down nearly every Penn State chance. He finished with 26 saves on 27 shots.
First Star — T.J. Hughes (Michigan, F)
Hughes was the best all-around skater on the ice. He recorded two points (goal, assist), blocked a shot, won 7 of 13 faceoffs, and finished with a plus-2 rating in a complete two-way effort.
