Seventeen seconds. That’s all it took for Penn State to lose an extra point in overtime on Saturday night, falling 4-3 to No. 18 Minnesota. Talk about a gut punch after a shootout victory just the night before in Minneapolis.
The Instant Heartbreak
You’ve gotta feel for them after that one. LJ Mooney, just 17 seconds into the extra frame, scores the game-winner, and that was it. Game over. Penn State came away with three points in the Big Ten standings this weekend, which is something, I guess, but losing like that? Man, that’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when you consider what could have been.
First Period Fireworks
This wasn’t some blowout, either. This was a battle, a real back-and-forth slugfest from the jump. Nolan Collins got Penn State on the board first in the opening period, giving them that early lead. But Minnesota, they answered right back after killing off a penalty with a goal from Tanner Ludtke. Then Marco Mignosa put Penn State back ahead ten minutes later. But hold up, that lead didn’t last! Josh Fleming gave up his second goal of the game just minutes later, and just like that, it was tied again in an explosive first period. What a wild start, right?
The Grind and What’s Next
Penn State managed to grab the lead again in the second period, Dane Dowiak with the goal to make it 3-2 early on. But Minnesota, again, they just wouldn’t quit, tying it up later in that same period. The third period? Absolutely nothing. Both teams skated to a scoreless tie, setting up that overtime drama we just talked about. The game was tight, too: Minnesota out-shot Penn State just 29-28, and both squads went scoreless on their power play chances. It really could’ve gone either way, which just makes that 17-second finish sting even more.
So, what’s next after that crushing defeat? Penn State heads back home to Pegula Ice Arena next weekend. They’ve got another Big Ten series coming up, hosting Notre Dame for two games on Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7. They’ll need to shake off this one quick and get ready to defend their home ice. We’ll be watching to see if they can bounce back from this kind of heartbreak.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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