.. That became official Sunday after the Irish fell to Penn State, 6-3, in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. Not even playing at the Compton Family Ice Arena could help on this day.
The Irish (14-13-2) got off to a great start, taking a 2-0 lead early in the first period on a power-play goal from Colin Theisen and an even-strength goal 31 seconds later by Jesse Lansdell. Though a late goal from Christian Sarlo cut the Irish’s lead in half, it wasn’t cause for concern just yet. That changed in the second period on back-to-back goals by Connor McMenamin to give the Nittany Lions (10-11-0) a lead they never gave up.
Tim Doherty scored on a power play before the second period ended, and that turned out to be the game-winner. Still, Chase McLane gave the Lions insurance with a pair of goals in the third period. Sandwiched between those was a power-play tally by Ryder Rolston, which could be the final Irish goal scored this season.It was depends on how forgiving the selection committee is.