Illini goaltender Tim Danlow shakes hands with the Penn State net minder after the game.

The problem: Penn State was on a bigger roll.

Behind the stellar play of junior goalie Scott Graham, Penn State shut out Illinois in the ACHA championship game 4-0 Sunday in Laurel, Md. The national runner-up is the best finish in school history for the Illini.

"Hot goaltending is tough, especially in the tournament," junior forward Brian Tilden said, who made the first all-tournament team along with junior defenseman Dan Lynch. "There is nothing more frustrating than putting on good shots, and it doesn't go in."

The Illini fell behind early to the Icers 2-0 in the first 10 minutes of the game, with both goals coming off Illinois turnovers.

The Illini had a five-on-three powerplay after the two Icer goals, but Graham's play in the Penn State net kept Illinois off the scoreboard and from gaining momentum.

"We had chances on the power play, but we just couldn't convert," Illinois head coach Chad Cassel said.

The team knows it is a great season finish despite the loss.

"It's real bittersweet," Tilden said. "You come out to the championship game, and it's great to reach your goal, but it's hard to lose your last game ... but you have to be happy with how far we got."

To play in the championship game, the Illini had to get past Delaware in pool play and Minot in the semifinals.

Illinois defeated Delaware 9-4 Friday to get into the final four. After the first period, the score was tied at two. The Illini then came out in the second period to score the next four goals and cruise to victory.

Against Minot on Saturday, Illinois was victorious 9-4. After establishing a 3-0 lead in two periods, the Illini lead was cut to 4-3.

After an Illinois timeout, the Illini scored three goals in three shifts, which put Minot away for good. The three goals in three shifts were highlighted by a goal by freshman Brett Duncan.

"(Sophomore forward Pat) Olson, Duncan and Tilden scored the prettiest goal of the tournament on tic-tack-toe passing from Olsen to Tilden to Duncan for the goal," Cassel said. "Duncan's goal demoralized them since it happened right out of the timeout."