Penn State couldn’t overcome a two goal second period by Minnesota, falling 2-1 on Friday night.
For the Nittany Lions it was an evening of frustration.
After a free flowing first period Penn State failed to generate much quality offense despite a promising opening 20 minutes of play. The Nittany Lions matched a fast skating Minnesota team for much of the early going behind solid goalkeeping by PJ Musico in net.
The effort was finally rewarded with just over eight minutes to play in the period. David Goodwin took a pass from Taylor Holstrom and sniped it past Minnesota goalie Adam Wilcox. Penn State would outshoot the Gophers 15-14 in the period and nearly capitalized again in the final minute of the opening frame — that would have made the score 2-0.
But from there it was all Minnesota. The Gophers dominated the pace of play in the second period, outshooting Penn State 12-6. It was a surprisingly low shot total for a Nittany Lions team that fires the puck on net at will. It only took 2:19 for Minnesota to tie the game in the second period. Christian Isackson redirected in an incoming pass, shooting it past Musico to make it 1-1.
Just about three minutes later Justin Kloos scored the eventual game-winner when he walked in to the slot and fired home a blast. Penn State gave up a total of eight penalties on the night to the nation’s leading power play unit.
While Penn State didn’t give up any more goals, the penalties, the quick offensive possessions and the lack of flow doomed the Nittany Lions. Penn State would get a few quality chances in the game’s final 20-30 minutes but failed to convert on the limited opportunities. Casey Bailey nearly scored on the power play late in regulation but the pass didn’t quite connect in time to find the back of the net.
Musico was once again strong in goal with a 33 save effort while Bailey led the way with six shots on goal. Penn State would technically outshoot the Gophers 36-35 but Minnesota was able to create the game’s best chances on a more consistent basis.
Penn State will take the ice again Saturday at 5 p.m. in hopes of coming away with a series split against the Gophers. Around the league, Michigan fell to Ohio State. That could help in Penn State’s quest to lock up a first round bye in the Big Ten tournament.
