In the midst of Friday’s awesome news, Penn State’s hockey team took on Michigan State to try to keep the good vibes going in State College. Unfortunately, it was not to be, as the Spartans left Pegula Ice Arena with a shootout win, 3-2.

How it Happened

Both teams came to play, and their tempo was extremely high all game. The first period was indicative of how the rest of the game would go as the two teams combined for 31 shots in the frame. With the period winding down, after a handful of power-plays for each team, Michigan State’s Ryan Keller put the Spartans in the lead with his second goal of the year.

The second period saw more of the same. Both teams had their fair share of penalties and power-plays in what ended up being the slowest frame of the game. The teams combined for 21 shots, substantially fewer than the first period’s total. Even play and poor discipline culminated in two goals in the frame’s final minute. First, Scott Conway sprung Eric Scheid on a breakaway, who deked around the goalie before the puck trickled over the goal line, tying up the game 1-1. The tie wasn’t to last, however, as Michigan State’s Villiam Haag put his team in front 26 seconds later. After two periods, the Penn State again found itself down by one goal.

The final period was arguably the most exciting. The Lions and Spartans combined for 27 shots, and both sides saw many scoring chances go by the boards. With just under eight minutes remaining in the game, Penn State’s top line of Taylor Holstrom, Casey Bailey, and David Goodwin went to work. A shot from the boards bounced off of Michigan State’s goalie and resulted in a huge scrum, where the puck eventually found an unmarked Goodwin, who buried it. Regulation came to an end with the score 2-2, which meant it was time for some free hockey.

The five-minute overtime period was dominated by the Spartans, who outshot the Nittany Lions 5-1. Penn State’s lone shot was a non-threatening heave from the neutral zone.

The bad news about overtime ending, however, is that it meant it was time for a shootout. Penn State has yet to win a shootout in Big Ten play, so it was easy to see where this game was going. Sure enough, Michigan State’s Brent Darnell scored on the team’s second shot, and Bailey missed on the ensuing chance to send the Spartans to their dressing room jubilant and the Nittany Lions dejected.

Players of the Game

Penn State’s second line. Dylan Richard had an outstanding defensive game, while Eric Scheid and Scott Conway were offensive threats every time they touched the ice. Conway had a brilliant pass to set up Scheid’s goal, while Scheid’s speed was hard to ignore all night.

Quote of the Game

“We haven’t had a lot of success [in shootouts], and that’s unfortunate, because it’s part of getting points in the Big Ten.” – Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky after the game.

Tweet of the Game

David Goodwin ties it at 2. 7 minutes left. #veryHappyValley https://t.co/gIm7JCYFZG

— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) January 17, 2015

John Buccigross was in the building tonight, and captured Goodwin’s game-tying goal.

What’s next?

Penn State and Michigan State return to Pegula Saturday, Jan. 17th, at 5 p.m. The game is also being broadcast on ESPNU.