Penn State Routs Minnesota 6-2 to Reach Big Ten Semifinals, Clinches NCAA Berth
In the new single-elimination format, the win secured Penn State's NCAA Tournament berth.
Overview
- Charlie Cerrato returned to the lineup and opened the scoring, helping stabilize Penn State’s lines after recent injuries.
- Gavin McKenna drove the offense as a playmaker with multiple assists, including setups on Mac Gadowsky’s first of the season and Aiden Fink’s third-period strike.
- Penn State controlled play at even strength and never had a power play as no penalties were called on Minnesota.
- Goaltender Josh Fleming made timely saves in the third period to preserve a three-goal cushion before the Nittany Lions pulled away.
- The victory lifted Penn State to No. 10 in the NPI, solidified seeding projections, and set up a semifinal against Michigan on Saturday on Big Ten Network.