Robert Morris Hockey Tops Penn State 5-2 at University Park

Robert Morris Men's Hockey Tops Penn State 5-2 at University Park

Robert Morris scored three goals in the first 19:35 of the game and held on behind a 33-save effort from Lucas Massie to beat Penn State 5-2 on Tuesday at University Park.

Patrick Johnson opened the scoring just 20 seconds in, poking home an unassisted goal. Michael Felsing made it 2-0 at 15:36 with helpers from Brennan Faulkner and Ryan MacPherson, and George Krotiris capped the first-period outburst with a power-play goal with 25 seconds left, assisted by MacPherson and Gabriel Lunn.

Penn State battled back into the game in the second period. Justin Poirier scored on an even-strength chance at 14:31 of the second, assisted by Justin Larose and Caeden Herrington, pulling the Nittany Lions within two. Poirier struck again on the power play at 4:54 of the third, this time set up by Jackson Smith and Reese Laubach, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Robert Morris answered before Penn State could complete the comeback. Krotiris scored his second goal of the game at 16:58 of the third period, assisted by Luke van Why and Lunn, pushing the lead back to two. Jackson Reineke added an empty-net, unassisted goal with 1:11 remaining to seal the 5-2 final.

Massie turned away 33 of 35 Penn State shots in net for the win, improving Robert Morris to 1-4-0. Ryder Fetterolf stopped 27 of 32 shots he faced in the loss for Penn State, which fell to 0-4-0 (0-3-0 entering the game).

Penn State actually outshot Robert Morris 35-32 for the game and won the faceoff battle 39-32, but could not overcome the fast start. Robert Morris went 1 for 4 on the power play while Penn State was 1 for 6. Both teams were whistled for 12 penalty minutes.

Krotiris, Poirier and MacPherson were named the game's three stars. Krotiris finished with two goals and an assist, Poirier had two goals and two assists, and MacPherson contributed three assists without a goal.

Robert Morris will look to build on the win as it continues its season, while Penn State searches for its first victory after dropping to 0-4-0.

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