Both games this weekend will be on TV
After splitting with RIT to start the back half of the regular season, Penn State continues its five-game homestand with a key series against Minnesota. The two teams split the first leg of the regular season series in Minneapolis on November 21 and 22, with each team winning by one goal. Gavin McKenna returns to the lineup after winning the bronze medal with Canada at the World Junior Championships, making this the first games all season that the Nittany Lions’ roster is at full strength.
How to Watch
Who: Minnesota Golden Gophers
NPI Ranking (PSU): 32 (8)
When: Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10
Where: Pegula Ice Arena, State College, PA
Times: 6pm (both games)
TV: Big Ten Network (both games)
Radio: Penn State Sports Network
Projected Lineup
Matt DiMarsico-Charlie Cerrato-JJ Wiebusch
Gavin McKenna-Reese Laubach-Aiden Fink
Shea Van Olm-Luke Misa-Ben Schoen
Dane Dowiak-Nic Chin-DeGraves-Lev Katzin
Jackson Smith-Jarod Crespo
Cade Christenson-Mac Gadowsky
Carter Schade-Nolan Collins
Josh Fleming
Kevin Reidler
Opponent Preview
Since the last time these two teams met, Minnesota is 2-1, including a 6-5 road win in overtime against Denver on November 29. The Gophers still have a long way to go if they are going to make the NCAA Tournament, but they have improved as the season has gone on.
Brodie Ziemer (12 goals, 7 assists) and Brody Lamb (9 goals, 10 assists) are the straws stirring the drink for the Minnesota offense, combining for one-third of the team’s total scoring. They are the only Gophers with more than five goals this season. Creating offense continues to be a struggle for Minnesota, who ranks 58th in the NCAA in shots on goal per game (25.3). Even in the win over Denver, the Gophers were outshot 52-25.
Luca DiPasquo (.905 save %, 2.99 GAA) and Nathan Airey (.895 save %, 3.09 GAA) have split goaltending duties all season. Airey started both games against Penn State in November and turned in two very solid performances, allowing just four goals on 58 Penn State shots.
Minnesota’s penalty kill remains its single biggest liability this season, ranking 62nd in the NCAA at 64.2%. The power play is tied for 15th at 23.6%. Penn State’s power play scored twice against Minnesota in the last meeting to secure a road win, and with Aiden Fink back in the lineup, hopefully the momentum continues.
News & Notes
- Preparations have begun for the game at Beaver Stadium on January 31.
- Minnesota leads the all-time series 33-20-1.
- Gavin McKenna finished second at World Juniors in scoring, with four goals and 10 assists, behind teammate Michael Hage (two goals, 13 assists).
- Penn State swept the Big Ten’s Three Stars of the Week.
- Aiden Fink is two points away from becoming the 9th player in program history to record 100 career points.
Prediction
The series in Minneapolis was about as evenly played as possible. Minnesota is a young team but started to find its legs throughout November. Penn State struggled with the Gophers’ forecheck and neutral zone scheme. Having a healthy Cade Christenson and Aiden Fink this time should help. The home atmosphere will not be quite the same without a full Roar Zone, but it should be a lively environment with conference play resuming. This feels like another split. Neither of these teams has been consistent enough this season for me to predict otherwise.
Penn State 4-2, Minnesota 3-2
Category: General Sports
