University Park, PA.(Gophersports.com) – Mat Robson’s career night wasn’t enough on Friday as the Gopher men's hockey team dropped this weekend’s Big Ten series opener to Penn State 5-1.

According to Penn State’s official statistician, Robson made 55 saves on the night – just six shy of Don Vaia’s school regulation record from 1957 – besting his previous mark of 38 just over the halfway point on Friday night. The sophomore moved to 7-3-1 on the year while surrendering four goals – just the third time in 12 games this year that Robson has given up more than two goals. Eric Schierhorn relieved Robson midway through the final stanza, making one save on two shots.

Minnesota (19-14-2 overall, 10-11-2-1 Big Ten) was outshot 61-15 on the night for a season low shots on goal. After Penn State (15-13-5, 8-10-5-2) jumped out to a one-goal lead, Casey Mittelstadt brought the Maroon & Gold back to even with his ninth goal of the year at 12:22 of the first period. Jack Sadek and Ryan Lindgren tallied assists on the goal.

Penn State featured five different goal scorers in the win with James Robinson, Trevor Hamilton, Evan Barratt and Liam Folkes picking up goals.

Minnesota 3-for-3 on the penalty kill and 0-for-1 on the power play.

The Gophers close out the regular-season against Penn State on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.

 

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