Penn State hosts Notre Dame at Pegula Ice Arena, looking to extend its strong run against the Irish at home. The Nittany Lions have won their last four games against Notre Dame in Hockey Valley, while the Irish arrive on a six-game losing streak and without three suspended players.

By the Numbers
  • Notre Dame leads the all-time series, 22-14-7.
  • Penn State is unbeaten in its last 7 games against Notre Dame (5-0-2).
  • Jackson Smith has 10 points in 8 games, including 8 assists.
  • Notre Dame has been outscored 34-7 during its 6-game skid.
  • The Irish are averaging 1.75 goals per game and allowing 4.38.
Yes, But

Penn State has momentum in the matchup, but the teams have split their first 20 meetings at Pegula. The Nittany Lions have also played three straight overtime games, while Notre Dame’s recent losing streak has come against ranked opponents.

State of Play
  • Penn State’s Jackson Smith has points in 6 of 8 games and ranks among the nation’s leading defensemen in assists.
  • Notre Dame is missing defensemen Jaedon Kerr and Leo Gruba, plus forward David Klee, following league suspensions.
  • Penn State goaltender Josh Fleming has a .949 save percentage and 1.92 goals-against average in 2 career starts against the Irish.
What’s Next

Penn State heads to Ann Arbor next weekend for a two-game series against No. 2 Michigan.

Bottom Line

Penn State has the home-record edge and a standout offensive defenseman in Smith, while Notre Dame’s scoring and special teams have struggled. The Irish’s depleted lineup gives the Nittany Lions an opportunity to take control early.