MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Penn State needed a response after falling behind early against Minnesota on Friday night, and the Nittany Lions found one behind a timely third-period goal from Justin Poirier and another outstanding performance from goaltender Josh Fleming.
Penn State battled Minnesota to a 1-1 tie at 3M Arena at Mariucci, overcoming a first-period deficit before the teams played through a scoreless overtime and an extended shootout.
Fleming finished with 35 saves, keeping the Nittany Lions within striking distance despite Minnesota holding a 36-29 advantage in shots.
The result moved Penn State to 2-4-1, while Minnesota entered the contest at 2-3-1.
Minnesota established the early advantage when Javon Moore opened the scoring at 7:33 of the first period.
Moore capitalized on an even-strength opportunity in front of the Penn State net, beating Fleming for his first goal of the season. Christian Humphreys and Tarin Smith collected assists on the play.
The Golden Gophers controlled much of the opening period, outshooting Penn State 15-6 and forcing Fleming to make several important stops.
Minnesota also received a late power-play opportunity when Marco Mignosa was called for tripping with 38 seconds remaining, but Penn State’s penalty kill prevented further damage.
The second period presented another challenge for the Nittany Lions.
Jackson Smith was assessed a tripping penalty at 6:29, giving Minnesota another opportunity to extend its lead. Fleming remained steady, turning aside the Golden Gophers’ chances while Penn State struggled to establish consistent offensive pressure.
However, the Nittany Lions began finding their rhythm as the period progressed.
Penn State generated 12 shots in the middle frame, including several opportunities from Poirier, Reese Laubach and Luke Misa.
Minnesota goaltender Luca Di Pasquo answered each challenge, preserving the Golden Gophers’ one-goal advantage entering the final period.
With Penn State searching for an equalizer, Poirier delivered.
At 9:03 of the third period, Poirier scored his fourth goal of the season, finishing an even-strength opportunity with Justin Larose collecting his fifth assist.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.The goal erased Minnesota’s advantage and gave Penn State new life.
The Nittany Lions continued pressing offensively, recording 11 shots in the third period while limiting Minnesota to six.
Penn State’s penalty kill also played an important role.
The Nittany Lions successfully killed third-period penalties against Laubach and Lev Katzin, preventing Minnesota from reclaiming the lead.
Neither team could find the deciding goal in regulation.
Minnesota controlled the overtime shot advantage, 5-0, but Fleming refused to surrender the winner.
His performance earned him the game’s first-star recognition, while Di Pasquo, who made 28 saves, received second-star honors. Poirier was named the third star.
The shootout produced additional drama.
Laubach scored on Penn State’s opening attempt before Minnesota’s LJ Mooney answered in the third round.
In the fifth round, Dane Dowiak scored giving the shootout 2-1 advantage to the Nittany Lions.
For Penn State, Friday’s result demonstrated the importance of goaltending and resilience.
Despite falling behind early and struggling to generate offense during stretches of the contest, the Nittany Lions found a way back.
Fleming provided the foundation, Poirier delivered the equalizer, and Penn State emerged from Minneapolis with a hard-earned tie against a Big Ten opponent.
