Penn State opens Big Ten play on the road against No. 18 Minnesota, carrying a four-game winning streak in the series after taking three of four regular-season matchups and beating the Gophers in last year’s conference tournament. Both teams have struggled defensively early this season, while Penn State’s scoring has come from a broad group of players.

By the Numbers
  • Minnesota leads the all-time series, 33-23-1, and is 21-8-0 at home.
  • Penn State has won the past 4 meetings.
  • Both teams are allowing at least 3.50 goals per game: Penn State 3.83, Minnesota 3.50.
  • Penn State has had 19 players record a point this season; 8 have scored goals.
  • Penn State’s power play is 4-for-19 (21.1%); Minnesota’s penalty kill is 66.7%.
Yes, But

Penn State has the recent series edge, but Minnesota has historically been tough to beat at Mariucci. The Gophers are coming off a sweep of No. 3 North Dakota and have a dangerous power play, though their penalty kill has been a major weakness.

State of Play
  • Minnesota is 2-3-1 under first-year coach Brett Larson and ranked No. 18 in both polls.
  • Penn State defenseman Jackson Smith had 4 points in the sweep of Canisius and earned Big Ten Third Star honors.
  • Justin Poirier leads Penn State with 8 points through 6 games; Reese Laubach has 9 points in 15 career games against Minnesota.
What’s Next

Penn State returns home next weekend for a two-game series against Notre Dame as Big Ten play continues.

Bottom Line

Penn State has momentum in this matchup, but its defensive performance will be pivotal against a Minnesota team fresh off a high-profile sweep and playing an extended home stand.