The Gophers became co-Big Ten champions after their win against Penn State on March 1.
Minnesota lost the first game of the series in overtime but showed a strong start early by generating attack-zone pressure in the first few minutes.
The pressure led to Gophers forward Mason Nevers finding the back of the net against Penn State goalie Arsenii Sergeev.
Ten minutes into the second period Penn State scored their first goal against Gophers goalie Liam Souliere. Less than a minute later the Nittany Lions scored another goal.
With around two minutes remaining in the second period, Gophers forward Connor Kurth tied the game 2-2 heading into the third period.
Penn State scored the first goal of the period, giving them a 3-2 lead, until Gophers forward Jimmy Snuggerud scored a goal to tie the game.
Three minutes into overtime, the Nittany Lions scored the game-winning goal, leading to a 4-3 loss for the Gophers.
Despite the loss, Gophers head coach Bob Motzko was proud of his team’s efforts and pointed out places they can improve.
“Ninety percent of what we did tonight was outstanding,” Motzko said. “They’re a good hockey team. We kept the crowd quiet, we got the lead, but we lost our focus.”
Motzko said the three goals they allowed in regulation resulted from turnovers.
The second game of the series was close, but it ended in a Gophers victory.
In the first period, both teams held off goals with strong defensive plays, but offense came to play in the second period.
Penn State got onto the board six minutes into the second period, putting the Gophers down 1-0.
Gophers forward Matthew Wood scored his first goal of the game midway through the period. This sparked a fire in the Gophers, and about five minutes later Nevers scored the second Minnesota goal, making the score 2-1.
Penn State fought back and scored a goal with around two minutes left to tie the period 2-2.
The third period started off fast as Wood got his second goal of the game almost four minutes in. Less than a minute later, Penn State scored a goal to make it a tie game.
It was a strong battle between both teams, but with only three minutes left in the game, the Gophers pulled forward. Minnesota defender Mike Koster scored a goal to give the Gophers a 4-3 lead.
The Gophers took the lead for the second time of the night, intent on not giving it back.
With less than a minute left, Gophers forward Oliver Moore sealed the deal by scoring the last goal of the game, resulting in the Gophers beating Penn State 5-3.
Motzko was proud of his team’s accomplishments in the game and the season overall.
“To our guys’ credit tonight, they had no quit in them,” Motzko said. “We’ve only got four losses in regulation, but we needed to find a way to win that because we have earned and deserved the right to be Big Ten champs.”
Snuggerud talked about the team’s dynamic and how it contributed to their efforts this season.
“Our team stayed really strong,” Snuggerud said. “It’s been fun to get to know all of the new guys, we have bonded very well as a team.”
While the Gophers’ regular season might be done, they are now off to the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. Minnesota will take on seven-seeded Notre Dame at Mariucci Arena this weekend.
