ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Penn State men’s ice hockey team (22-15-1, 10-13-1 Big Ten) lost to familiar Big Ten foe, University of Michigan (25-11-3, 12-10-2 Big Ten), 2-1 at the Allentown Regional Final on March 26 at 6:30 p.m.
The first period was goal-less, but that didn’t come from a lack of attempts. Both Penn State and Michigan were able to make 14 shots on goal, but the goaltending from Liam Souliere (PSU) and Erik Portillo (Michigan) were able to keep the teams afloat. In the instances where the goaltending saw some slips, it worked out that both teams always had players ready to push the puck away in the most desperate of times.
As noted from Friday night’s game between Michigan and Colgate, the Nittany Lions needed to keep up a defensive strength against the Wolverines. Penn State was able to keep Michigan from scoring on the power play when Ryan Kirwan was sent to the penalty box for tripping.
The second period saw similar action from the first, with both teams excelling both ways on the ice. Michigan was sent on their second power play of the night at the 14:40 mark in the period as Lion forward Tyler Gratton was pinned with goaltender interference. Penn State was able to successfully kill the penalty, as Souliere was able to stop pucks, and players like Paul DeNaples and Jarod Crespo were willing to throw their bodies at the puck in an attempt to block.
Four minutes later, Michigan’s Jackson Hallum was sent to the penalty box for hooking. Penn State was able to quickly capitalize on this opportunity as Connor MacEachern was able to score a power play goal at the 18:58 mark.
Entering the final stanza of play, the Nittany Lions were leading the game 1-0. A number of Penn State penalties through the period will open Michigan up for scoring opportunities.
With eight minutes left in the period, tensions are high and Michigan is reaching a dire point. After drawing a holding penalty from Carter Schade, Adam Fantilli scores a power play goal, leveling the playing field to 1-1.
Michigan Head Coach Brandon Naurato calls for a timeout with just over a minute left in the period. Both teams were able to successfully keep one another from scoring and the game was pushed into overtime.
The overtime session lasted a mere 52 seconds as Mackie Samoskevich saw the back of the Penn State net, winning the game for Michigan and sending them to the Frozen Four.
UP NEXT:
Michigan will head to the Frozen Four in Tampa and will play the winner of the Bridgeport, Connecticut regional, Quinnipiac, on April 6 at 8:30 p.m. and will be available to watch on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Penn State’s 2023 season has come to an end. Souliere’s performance tonight capped off a monumental season for the goaltender.
(Photo: Eagle Eye/Ashley Lawson)
