The nineteenth-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (15-8-4, Big Ten 7-3-1) suffered their first regulation loss in more than a month Friday night against the Michigan State Spartans (11-12-2, Big Ten 4-5-2) by a final score of 3-0.
Penn State could not build a sustainable offense and struggled to keep the puck in Michigan State’s territory.
Spartans’ goaltender Jake Hildebrand was perfect for the night, stopping all 28 of the Nittany Lions’ shots. This marks the Lions’ first shutout loss of the season, and first since January 17, 2014, against Michigan State. This is the Spartans’ third shutout victory of the year.
The first period was scoreless; neither team was able to convert on numerous opportunities. Just over halfway through the second period, Michigan State forward Mackenzie MacEachern caught a rebound from Matt Berry and sailed it over the shoulder of Penn State netminder PJ Musico.
Three minutes later, JT Stenglein added to the score, sailing the puck past Musico’s stick side and into the back of the net.
The Spartans wasted no time in the third period; it only took 4:16 of play for Matt Deblouw to connect off of Berry on a one-timer to finalize the score at 3-0.
Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky pulled Musico with 5:25 remaining after off-setting penalties created a four-on-four situation, giving Scott Conway the chance to put the Lions on the board, but Hildebrand caught the puck on the edge of his pad, allowing the defense to clear the puck and ultimately skate away with the victory.
Penn State was unable to keep up with the onslaught of Michigan State’s shots, and with a final tally of 34-28, the Lions were outshot for only the fourth time this season.
Penn State will look to rebound against Michigan State on Valentine’s Day in East Lansing. The puck will drop at 6:00 p.m. and live coverage will be available on the Big Ten Network and BTN2Go.
Photo Credit: GoPSUSports.com
