Pitlick, Gophers rout Penn State 5-1

Freshman Rem Pitlick scored a pair of goals less than four minutes apart in the second period, helping the University of Minnesota men's hockey team to a 5-1 win over Penn State on Friday at Mariucci Arena.

Eric Schierhorn's shutout bid lasted until the middle of the second period, when Trevor Hamilton snuck a shot under the crossbar to get the Nittany Lions on the board.

The sophomore goaltender was tested often after a low-scoring first period, making 13 saves in the third.

Vinni Lettieri opened the scoring at 17:22 of the first period, stickhandling past Penn State goalie Chris Funkey, before Pitlick kicked off the second period with a pair of quick goals.

Tyler Sheehy deflated the Nittany Lions' comeback attempt with just five seconds remaining in the second period, burying a net-mouth feed after hooking up with Tyler Sheehy for a nifty passing play.

Mike Szmatula made it 5-1 with a power play goal at 17:37, firing a nonchalant wrist shot off Funkey and in.

The No. 7-ranked Gophers improve to 16-7-2 with the win, and face No. 6 Penn State again on Saturday at 7 p.m. Saturday.