Twitter reacts to Penn State’s NCAA Hockey Tournament loss to Michigan
Penn State has had a rough year against the Michigan Wolverines. Between 2022 and 2023 they have beaten Penn State in football, basketball, wrestling, and now hockey.
No bigger stage than the losses to Michigan in wrestling and hockey but the hockey one stings more because the Nittany Lions were one win away from their first Frozen Four appearance in program history. Despite having the lead late into the third period, it wasn’t meant to be as the Wolverines would tie it up before eventually scoring the winning goal in overtime.
This game had Penn State fans treating it like a football game and Twitter reflected that, here are some of those tweets.
Allentown or State College?
Boos for Michigan, and loud cheers for Penn State.
It’s almost that time, folks! pic.twitter.com/N0iqX3Ljde
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) March 26, 2023
One benefit that Penn State had in Sunday’s game was the fact it took place in Allentown. That made it almost a home away from home for the Nittany Lions and gave them a much needed boost.
Penn State gets on the board
PENN STATE IS ON THE BOARD!@CMacEachern_ puts home a rebound on the powerplay and @PennStateMHKY leads Michigan 1-0 after 2 periods of play!
📹: @espn l @NCAAIceHockey pic.twitter.com/2wHxOeAm36
— EVERYTHING COLLEGE HOCKEY (@TeamECH) March 27, 2023
After a scoreless first period, the tie was broken by the Nittany Lions. The goaltending had been spot-on for both teams but the constant pressure attack was finally too much for the Wolverines in the second period.
Michigan ties it...
#2023nhldraft prospect Adam Fantilli ties it for Michigan!!!
What a game between Penn State and Michigan. It’s 1-1 late in the third!🔥🔥#NCAA pic.twitter.com/oskqZFACzx
— Florence Normand (@Florence_1553) March 27, 2023
Penn State’s goal seemingly woke up a sleeping giant as Michigan did not want to concede another goal and was ready to answer it all on their own. They would find the answer and take momentum through the third period.
Tensions were high
Penn State and Michigan headed to overtime tied up at 1-1 with a trip to the Frozen Four on the line. Excellent hockey game so far.
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) March 27, 2023
Nothing is better in sports than overtime hockey. Each shot makes you hold your breath and if you are Penn State you know how important this opportunity is.
Michigan wastes no time
FINAL: Michigan 2, Penn State 1 (OT)
Only 52 seconds into OT. Michigan to the Frozen Four for the 27th time in program history pic.twitter.com/ijz6iAJ94Y
— Matt Trust (@Matt_Trust) March 27, 2023
Well, that didn’t take long. Michigan didn’t want to sit around and wait for an opportunity instead they grabbed it less than one minute into overtime against Penn State.
Look at the big picture
Penn State can stomach the effort tonight, Nittany Lions played up to Michigan’s quality. Big picture Penn State trying to create more cache within the same talent pipelines Michigan has is an uphill battle but a win tonight would have been a small victory there as well.
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) March 27, 2023
Penn State hockey taking a moral victory the same way the basketball team has had to take in the last week. Both overachieved what they had been expected to do and now they can look ahead to a brighter future.
It has to happen eventually
That’s Frozen Four trip No. 27 for Michigan.
Penn State still searching for trip No. 1.
— Scott Bell (@sbell021) March 27, 2023
Their first trip will come, competing in the Big Ten is good for everyone. A rising tide lifts all ships and now they have a big matchup to look forward to in 2023.
