When ringing in the new year, Penn State turned in its finest defensive performance of the season.
In both team’s first game of 2021, the Nittany Lions defeated Michigan State 1-0 in East Lansing.
The sole goal came from Penn State’s Sam Sternschein at the 17:04 mark of the first period.
Sternschein received a gift from Michigan State as the Spartans turned over the puck in their own end, leaving goalie Drew DeRidder out to dry.
Aside from the first period goal, Sunday’s game was a textbook example of a defensive battle.
Penn State clung to its 1-0 advantage for over 40 minutes to earn its fourth straight win after starting the season 0-5.