Fleming Steals Shootout as Penn State Earns Three Points

Penn State goaltender Josh Fleming stopped 60 shots across a weekend series at Minnesota, earning three Big Ten points for the Nittany Lions.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Hockey

Fleming Steals Shootout as Penn State Earns Three Points

Penn State men's hockey goaltender Josh Fleming stopped 60 shots over a weekend series at Minnesota, where the Nittany Lions earned three Big Ten points. Friday's game ended 1-1 before Penn State won the shootout, and Saturday's game was lost 4-3 in overtime.

Why it matters

Fleming's workload and performance carried Penn State through a weekend series that yielded three conference points. The results come as half of the Nittany Lions' roster is new this season, making goaltending consistency a central factor in the team's early Big Ten standing.

Fleming stopped 35 of 36 shots Friday and 25 saves Saturday, finishing with 60 total saves across the weekend at Minnesota. Penn State finished 6-for-6 on the penalty kill over the two games, though the source does not provide season-long comparison figures.

The players

Josh Fleming

Penn State men's hockey goaltender who made 60 saves across the two-game weekend series at Minnesota.

Gadowsky

Penn State men's hockey head coach who discussed Fleming's performance and playing time earlier this week.

The details

Friday's game ended 1-1 in regulation and overtime, with Dane Dowiak scoring the shootout winner in the fifth round after Fleming stopped four of Minnesota's five attempts. Saturday, Fleming made 25 saves in a 4-3 overtime loss, and he stopped Tanner Ludtke's shot with one second left in Friday's overtime. Justin Poirier tied Friday's game at 9:03 of the third period.

Timeline

  1. Friday: Penn State tied Minnesota 1-1 and won the shootout.

  2. Saturday: Penn State lost 4-3 in overtime to Minnesota.

  3. Tuesday: Head coach Gadowsky discussed Fleming's performance and playing time.

Season Trajectory

With half of the roster new this season, Penn State's early Big Ten results depend heavily on goaltending stability as the team adjusts. Three conference points from a road series at Minnesota add to the Nittany Lions' early conference standing.

Fantasy and betting followers tracking Penn State's goalie usage should note Fleming's heavy workload across two games. The three conference points also affect the Nittany Lions' position in the Big Ten standings.

The takeaway

Goaltending stability has been the most consistent factor for Penn State as half its roster adjusts this season. Tracking save totals and penalty-kill rates can show how well the team is holding leads.

Further reading

For more on the Nittany Lions' season, see our Hockey coverage across Pennsylvania.