Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna (72) shoots against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the third period at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Preview: MSU Hockey's Series vs. Penn State

Originally posted on Michigan State Spartans on SI
By Jacob Cotsonika | Last updated Nov 7, 2025 9:50 AM ET

Top-ranked Michigan State will get another early-season test on both Friday and Saturday against No. 3 Penn State. MSU enters 5-1 on the year, while the Nittany Lions are 9-1.

The Spartans are opening their Big Ten schedule and were on bye last weekend. Penn State swept No. 17 Ohio State in Columbus last Thursday and Friday.

Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

All the details about how to stream the series or listen to it over the radio can be found below.

Streaming Info

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Puck Drop Friday: 7 p.m. ET | Puck Drop Saturday: 4 p.m. ET

Streaming Service (both games): Big Ten Plus

B1G+ Prices: 12.99/month OR $89.99/year | Code MSU15 can be used for $15 off an annual pass

Announcers (both games): Jacob Maurer (play-by-play), Jordan Cyprian (analyst)

Radio Info

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Radio Stations: WJIM AM 1240, FM 106.9, WVFN AM 730

Can also be listened to on the MSU Athletics App

Announcers: Scott Moore (play-by-play), Rob Woodward (color analyst)

Looking at No. 3 Penn State

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PSU is coming off what is likely the greatest season in program history. Outside of a handful of years in the 1940s, the Nittany Lions' history in the NCAA only goes back to the 2012-13 season, but they got to the Frozen Four for the first time in program history last season.

Penn State started the season slow, but got hot at the end of the year to get into the NCAA Tournament, where it beat Maine and UConn to reach the national semifinals, where the run ended against Boston University.

The Nittany Lions have been able to build off that success. Over the offseason, PSU beat out Michigan State for the services of Gavin McKenna, who will most likely be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

A record of 9-1 also speaks for itself. It has not been the most challenging schedule to this point --- the only currently ranked opponent Penn State has faced is the Buckeyes, who now sit at No. 19 after PSU swept them. The Nittany Lions' only loss came during the first game of a series with Clarkson, which was back on Oct. 9.