The Nittany Lions held their spot in the top five after being idle during week 10 of the college football season.
Sam Sternschein's goal with 8:10 to play in the third period stood up as the game-winner on Friday night.
Head coach Guy Gadowsky didn't have an update on Smirnov's status after the game, so his availability for Friday night's series finale between Penn State and Wisconsin is currently unclear.
Wisconsin's duo of star freshmen have combined for 17 points so far this season.
Penn State hockey's annual Teddy Bear Toss is slated for 7 p.m. Friday at Pegula Ice Arena.