In a thrilling showdown at University Park, Penn State dashed Ohio State's hopes of redemption with a nail-biting 5-4 overtime victory, thanks to Gavin McKenna's clutch game-winner. The Nittany Lions completed the sweep, leaving the Buckeyes searching for answers after Friday’s 11-4 drubbing.
Ohio State had a promising start, with Sam Deckhut taking advantage of a rare misplay by Penn State’s goalie Kevin Reidler to net his first goal of the season. Despite this early setback, Penn State controlled the pace, dominating possession and peppering the Buckeyes with 12 of the first 14 shots. The tension escalated when Ohio State’s Chris Able delivered a controversial hit, earning only a minor penalty and sparking debate among fans.
The Nittany Lions, who had been lethal on recent power plays, found themselves stymied early on. However, a major penalty against Ohio State's captain Davis Burnside opened the door. Reese Laubach and Luke Misa orchestrated a perfect setup for Shea Van Olm, who found the back of the net, marking his fifth point in as many games.
Ohio State roared back in the second period, seizing control with a flurry of shots. Felix Caron capitalized on a power play, and Broten Sabo extended the lead shortly after. Max Mantes then silenced the home crowd with a shorthanded goal, pushing the score to 4-1.
The Nittany Lions weren't done yet. Late in the period, JJ Wiebusch, assisted by Jackson Smith and Lev Katzin, cut the deficit to 4-2. Penn State nearly inched closer, but a missed opportunity in front of an open net left them trailing.
Ohio State dominated the second period stats, but Penn State wasn’t backing down. An interference penalty in the third period gave the Nittany Lions a chance to rally.
McKenna set up Wiebusch for his second goal, tying a program record with his 30th assist. Moments later, Matt DiMarsico found Jared Crespo, leveling the game at 4-4 and forcing Ohio State to regroup with a timeout.
Controversy struck late in regulation with a no-call on a hit to Katzin’s head, but Penn State’s penalty kill unit held firm, pushing the game to overtime.
In the extra frame, both teams traded opportunities until Fink and Smith connected with McKenna, who sealed the victory with his decisive goal. McKenna wrapped up the series with an impressive 13 points against Ohio State.
Next up, Penn State sets its sights on a Big Ten road trip to face Notre Dame, riding high on their recent success.