Penn State hockey made history by securing its second consecutive Big Ten sweep at home, defeating Notre Dame 6-3 on Saturday night. This victory not only solidified their position in the Big Ten standings but also showcased the team’s resilience and determination. Despite having only 17 healthy skaters for the game, Penn State found a way to overcome the challenges and clinch a significant win.

Gavin McKenna was instrumental in the victory, scoring two goals, while Aiden Fink contributed a career-high four assists. JJ Wiebusch ended a long goal-scoring drought, adding to the team’s momentum. The game was filled with intense moments and key plays that highlighted the team’s strength and unity.

First Period

The game started with a bang as the top line of Penn State wasted no time making their presence felt. Jarod Crespo delivered a perfect outlet pass to JJ Wiebusch, who finally broke his 11-game goalless streak with a beautiful backhand shot just 17 seconds into the game. This early goal put Penn State ahead 1-0.

Jackson Smith extended the lead just past the seven-minute mark with a powerful one-time blast from the point, increasing the score to 2-0. However, the game took a turn when Penn State took a couple of penalties midway through the second period. Kevin Reidler made a crucial save on the first power play, and a penalty against Henry Nelson nullified Notre Dame’s second power play chance.

Notre Dame responded with a flurry of activity in the closing minutes of the period, scoring two goals within 15 seconds. Brennan Ali’s shot hit the post and bounced into the net, followed by a defensive zone turnover that allowed Cole Knuble to tie the game at 2. The game went into the locker room tied at 2.

Second Period

Gavin McKenna gave Penn State the lead back when he scored a goal by going blocker side high on Kempf after receiving a great cross-ice pass from Jackson Smith. This goal seemed to energize the offense, leading to more quality chances from the McKenna-Dowiak-Fink line.

After a minute and a half of 4-on-4 play following coincidental minors, Gavin McKenna drew an interference penalty, putting Penn State on the power play. Sutter Muzatti capitalized on the opportunity, tying the game while shorthanded. Reese Laubach’s boarding penalty later gave Notre Dame a chance to take the lead, but Nic Chin-DeGraves’ play helped send the game back to 4-on-4.

A critical moment came when Michael Mastrodomenico was called for interference on JJ Wiebusch, giving Penn State a 5-on-3 advantage. Matt DiMarsico scored his fourth goal of the weekend, putting Penn State back in the lead. A cross-checking penalty on Ben Schoen gave Notre Dame a chance to tie the game late in the period, but the penalty kill held strong, preserving a 4-3 lead at the end of the second period.

Third Period

JJ Wiebusch took a hooking penalty just a minute and a half after the last PSU penalty kill ended. The penalty kill held off Notre Dame for the sixth time in the game, maintaining the 4-3 lead. Midway through the period, Aiden Fink’s hustle on the forecheck set up a prime scoring chance. Luke Misa’s shot was stopped by Nicholas Kempf, but McKenna was in position to deposit the rebound, extending Penn State’s lead to 5-3.

Dane Dowiak sealed the game with an empty-net goal, ensuring a 6-3 victory for Penn State. The team’s performance throughout the game demonstrated their ability to adapt and overcome adversity.

Scoring Summary

First Period
– PSU: JJ Wiebusch (12) – Jarod Crespo (6), Reese Laubach (10) – 5v5 – 0:17
– PSU: Jackson Smith (6) – Jarod Crespo (7), Aiden Fink (12) – 5v5 – 7:06
– ND: Brennan Ali (5) – Sutter Muzzatti (9), Jimmy Jurcev (1) – 5v5 – 18:24
– ND: Cole Knuble (4) – Danny Nelson (7) – 5v5 – 18:39

Second Period
– PSU: Gavin McKenna (5) – Jackson Smith (7), Aiden Fink (13) – 5v5 – 4:54
– ND: Sutter Muzzatti (8) – Unassisted – SH – 11:11
– PSU: Matt DiMarsico (14) – JJ Wiebusch (13), Aiden Fink (14) – PP – 15:46

Third Period
– PSU: Gavin McKenna (6) – Luke Misa (7), Aiden Fink (15) – 5v5 – 10:57
– PSU: Dane Dowiak (6) – Gavin McKenna (18), Jackson Smith (8) – EN – 19:49

Shots By Period

• ND: 11-10-9 – 30
• PSU: 10-15-10 – 35

Takeaways

Resilient
Despite being banged up with five skaters scratched due to injury, Penn State found a way to play their game against a desperate opponent. Their resilience was evident throughout the match.

Penalty Kill
The penalty kill was perfect, going 7 for 7. While it’s preferable not to give a team seven power plays, the PK’s performance was crucial in maintaining the lead.

Gavin McKenna
McKenna had a breakout game, scoring two goals and showing his value on the ice. His performance was a key factor in the team’s success.

Aiden Fink
Fink’s four assists tied a single-game career-high, showcasing his impact on the offensive side of the game.

Defensemen
Jarod Crespo and Jackson Smith were instrumental in creating scoring opportunities, highlighting the importance of their contributions from the blue line.

TCOB
In a season where highly ranked teams have struggled, Penn State’s performance during the home stand has positioned them well for an NCAA Tournament bid and kept their Big Ten title hopes alive.

Rest Up
It remains uncertain if several key players will be available for the upcoming series against Wisconsin. However, the team has time to rest and prepare for the next challenge.

Standings & Such

Penn State moved into second place by just one point over third-place Michigan State, who swept Wisconsin on the road this weekend. The Nittany Lions have two games in hand on first-place Michigan, who is idle next weekend. The next two weeks will be crucial for Penn State’s Big Ten title hopes, with series against Wisconsin and Michigan State.

At the time of posting, Penn State is ranked No. 6 in the NPI. It’s still too early to determine how many more wins Penn State needs to secure an NCAA Tournament spot, but Playoff Status gives the team around a 90% chance to make the tournament.

What’s Next

Penn State will begin a critical two-week stretch with a road trip to Wisconsin next Friday and Saturday. Puck drop on Friday is scheduled for 8pm on Big Ten Plus.