Michigan State heads to State College, PA for their second showdown against Penn State in a top-5 matchup
WHO: No. 2 Michigan State Spartans (19-5-0) vs No. 5 Penn State Nittany Lions (18-6-0)
WHERE: Pegula Ice Arena — State College, PA
WHEN: Friday 6 PM EST / Saturday 1 PM EST
WATCH: Friday B1G+ / Saturday Big Ten Network
As the frozen tundra continues to engulf half the country, the real frozen battle heads to State College this weekend. The second-ranked Michigan State Spartans take their 19-5-0 record on the road to face the surging No. 5 Penn State Nittany Lions (18-6-0), a team eager for revenge after being swept by MSU back in November.
Michigan State handed Penn State its second and third losses of the season in early November with a 2–1 overtime win followed by a dominant 5–0 shutout. That series helped set the tone for MSU’s season and put Penn State in an early hole after climbing as high as No. 3 in the rankings. The Nittany Lions stumbled briefly, losing two of their next three, but have since roared back with eight wins in their last nine games — including a statement sweep of then-No. 4 Wisconsin last weekend, outscoring the Badgers 10–3 over two games.
These two teams know each other well, and there won’t be many surprises this time around. Both sides can score, both have quality goaltending, and both understand what’s at stake.
Offensively, Penn State holds a slight edge. The Nittany Lions have scored 86 goals in 24 games, averaging 3.58 goals per game. Michigan State is right behind with 84 goals in 24 games, averaging 3.50 goals per game — tied for 12th nationally.
Defense, however, is where the Spartans separate themselves. MSU has allowed just 42 goals all season, a nation-best 1.75 goals against average. They are one of only two teams in the country — along with Cornell — allowing fewer than two goals per game. Penn State ranks 16th defensively, surrendering 59 goals in 24 games (2.46 per game).
Penn State features three players inside the national top-20 in points per game: Gavin McKenna (10th, 1.32), Charlie Cerrato (13th, 1.26), and Matt DiMarsico (20th, 1.21). Michigan State counters with two — Porter Martone (12th, 1.27) and Charlie Stramel (15th, 1.25).
In overall scoring margin, the Spartans rank third nationally at +1.75, while Penn State sits eighth at +1.12.
Special teams could be the swing factor in this series. Penn State holds a clear advantage, ranking 13th nationally on the power play (.236), scoring 25 goals on 105 opportunities. Michigan State ranks 30th at .224, with 15 goals on 67 attempts. The Nittany Lions are also elite on the penalty kill, ranking fourth nationally (.880), while MSU sits 21st (.828).
For the Spartans, everything still runs through Trey Augustine. The sophomore leads the nation in goals-against average at 1.73, having allowed just 38 goals in 1,317 minutes of action. Penn State’s Joshua Fleming has been strong as well, allowing only 20 goals in 654 minutes. The Nittany Lions split time nearly evenly between Fleming and Kevin Reidler, who has appeared in 13 games.
With just one game separating these teams in the standings, this series feels like a turning point. Game one will carry a major mental edge, but expect the response to be fierce from whichever team drops Friday night. And while Michigan State vs. Michigan basketball grabs the main screen Friday, Spartans fans may want MSU vs. Penn State hockey queued up on the second TV.
Predictions
Friday Michigan State 4 Penn State 3
Saturday Michigan State 2 Penn State 1