PJ Musico knew for nearly a week that he would be playing Saturday. No matter how Friday night went, the California native was suiting up one last time in goal for the Nittany Lions at home.
And with just four seconds remaining in Penn State’s 4-3 win over Michigan, Musico sprawled to the ice with his left leg extended as far as it would go. If he made the save the game was over. If Michigan scored an uncertain overtime was in store for an on edge crowd at Pegula Ice Arena.
Save.
Even so, the puck still managed to trickle toward the net behind Musico after his initial stop, and with the atlethism that helped him go from club player to one of the best stories in college hockey he flipped around and covered it.
Penn State’s upset and series sweep was complete just a few seconds later.
“It’s just about enjoying what you do every time you do it,” Musico said. “I try and stress that to myself and teammates. I think we all feed off of that.”
It is becoming increasingly likely that Penn State is destined to be a viable power in college hockey, and when that day eventually comes the seven seniors who played their final game at home Saturday night will have played a large role in laying that foundation. Their futures in hockey may be uncertain, but their impact on the future of Penn State hockey has firmly been set in stone.
From captain Patrick Koudys to injured assist leader Taylor Holstrom, Penn State’s 2015 season has been a remarkable ride. If anything, Musico’s own journey from club to Division I starter is simply the perfect analogy for the team’s success. The California surfer turned his relief efforts midway through the season into an unprecedented run of success against some of the best teams in the nation.
And like its unexpected hero, Penn State hockey has turned its formal start at the Division I level into something significant. Big Ten title contention in just a year’s time. From nothing to something in the blink of eye.
But before the celebration, the outcome of the final home game of the season was far less certain two hours and 26 minutes earlier.
Like the night before, Penn State scored first, just 3:38 into the game. David Goodwin poked in a loose puck giving the Nittany Lions a 1-0 lead.
Michigan didn’t fold like it did on Friday though. A JT Compher goal with just under six minutes to play in the period tied the game and made it clear that this one wasn’t going to be easy. The Wolverines weren’t going to roll over so easily two straight nights. They had one of the nation’s best offenses and there was a lot of time to prove that it hadn’t been left back in Ann Arbor.
Even so, Penn State’s ability to counter at home continued to display itself. Scott Conway made it 2-1 just over a minute after Michigan’s goal. But again, Michigan responded, scoring the tying goal with just under two minutes left in the opening stanza. Penn State was going to have to earn this win.
And the Nittany Lions did, killing off an extended power play near the start of the second period as Michigan dominated the shot count early in the frame. Penn State played strong and dodged a few bullets. Musico held his ground and the Nittany Lion defense kept Michigan from ever taking the lead.
In fact, Penn State would be the team to find the back of the net in the second period. Erik Autio blasted home a shot from the point only seconds after taking the ice. Just four minutes later Tommy Olczyk added another to give the Nittany Lions a 4-2 margin with just over two minutes remaining in the second period.
From there until the final two minutes of regulation the game was all but finished for Penn State. The Nittany Lions had the Wolverines’ number and everyone in the building knew it. Even with Penn State’s not-so-quiet confidence, Michigan still managed to push forward, firing 11 shots on goal in the final 20 minutes of play. When Michigan finally scored with just over 30 seconds to go in regulation the 4-3 margin made the early celebration a little more tense, but Musico did his job, ensuring that there would be no need for extra time.
On paper Penn State improves to 18-12-4. The Nittany Lions go in the history books 6-3-0 all-time against Michigan with three wins out of four meetings on the year. Penn State faces Minnesota next weekend to finish out the regular season. From there it’s the Big Ten tournament and only a few winnable games from making a possible NCAA Tournament bid.
No matter what happens though, Penn State’s season has been an unbelievable ride to watch unfold and seven seniors may never play in a more enjoyable season, no matter how their careers pan out.
“It has been fun guys, thanks.” Musico said as he walked out of the media room and down the hallway after the game, ice packs strapped to both legs.
And it’s hard to argue with him.
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