The series opener ended in a 2-2 tie, with Penn State securing the extra point in overtime on a Reese Laubach goal past sophomore goaltender Trey Augustine.

With the Big Ten title race tightening, every point matters for the Spartans, who control their own destiny. Minnesota sits just one point behind MSU after defeating Ohio State on Friday.

Penn State set the tone early, outworking MSU in the opening minutes and striking twice in quick succession.

Just 21 seconds apart, Penn State stunned MSU with two quick goals. Charlie Cerrato buried an offensive zone turnover five-hole past Augustine, followed by JJ Wiebusch capitalizing on defensive miscommunication in the slot to double the lead.

The Spartans played anything but blue collar hockey, making cute plays in their own zone and turning over the puck, giving Penn State everything it needed to get its offense in a groove. The frustration was clear from MSU, causing chaos after the whistle and taking three first period penalties and giving the Nittany Lions a man advantage one too many times.

MSU had a golden opportunity to shift momentum early in the second when Tommi Männistö broke free on a shorthanded breakaway. However, Penn State’s junior goaltender Arsenii Sergeev stood tall, denying both his initial shot and the rebound attempt.

Penn State continued its dominance as Aiden Fink buried a power-play goal just 12 seconds into the man advantage, silencing Munn Ice Arena. Despite outshooting Penn State in the period 15-11, MSU was unable to create offense yet again. Loose pucks in front of the net were swept away by Nittany Lion defenders, making it tough for the green and white to rebound on those net-front opportunities and holding the team scoreless through 40.

MSU finally found the net in the third period, but the late push fell short.

Early in the third, MSU had two power-play chances but failed to convert. However, the penalty kill provided a spark, finally breaking the shutout and giving the Spartans life.

Frustrations were clear for the Spartans, attempting to make a third period comeback on senior night and prevent a loss to the Nittany Lions. For the Spartan seniors in particular, making their emotions clear.

But finally, MSU broke the ice. After killing off a five on three penalty, MSU came flying from the penalty box on a short handed opportunity and a pass up the ice from junior forward Karsen Dorwart landed on the stick of Männistö, who sent it past Sergeev, giving the Spartans life in the waning minutes.

With 9.2 seconds left, Karsen Dorwart tapped in a rebound to pull MSU within one, but the rally came too late as Penn State held on for the win.

MSU now turns its attention to its final regular-season series against Notre Dame, where a Big Ten title remains within reach. The Spartans face the Fighting Irish in South Bend on Friday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 1, at 6 p.m.