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Penn State Hockey Final Score: Lions Take Down Minnesota in Overtime

Penn State beat the Gophers for only the second time in program history in a thrilling overtime game.

By ChrisTaylor
Goal Summary 1st 2nd 3rd OT Final
Penn State 0 2 0 1 3
Minnesota 0 0 2 0 2
Shots on Goal 1st 2nd 3rd OT Final
Penn State 8 15 11 5 39
Minnesota 13 18 10 1 42

The Nittany Lions (13-3-3) won for the third time in three Big Ten conference games, taking down Minnesota in overtime by a final of 3-2. Goalie Eamon McAdam played a tremendous game in net, making 40 saves on the way to the victory.

The first period was a sparring match without either team taking a clear advantage, ending with no score. The Lions dominated the second period, jumping out to a 2-0 lead, but the Gophers came storming back in the final period, tying things up before the buzzer ended regulation.

With just over a minute remaining on the overtime period, redshirt senior and former team captain Tommy Olczyk made a great hustle play to control the puck and make a pass to Vince Pedrie, who scored the game winning goal.

The teams will face off again at 3 p.m. on Saturday in the final game of the series at Pegula Ice Arena.

First Period

The period began with each team handling the puck well and showing aggressiveness in the offensive zone. The Gophers got the first few high-quality shots in the opening minutes but Penn State goalie Eamon McAdam was up to the task, turning away the first few scoring chances of the game.

With over six minutes expired the Lions had only one official shot on goal, as Minnesota was clearly trying to limit shots on goal in the defensive zone by blocking shots and harassing the puck handler. David Goodwin hit the post on the second shot of the game, nearly giving PSU an early lead.

By midway through the period the shot count was 4-4 as Guy Gadowsky's squad increased the pressure while on offense. Just as the advantage was beginning to slant in the home team's favor, Zach Saar was called for a hooking penalty. The Gophers went on the power play but were unable to score. As Saar rejoined the ice Eric Scheid was the victim of a penalty and Penn State went on the power play.

The Lions were unable to score with the man advantage and nearly gave up a short handed goal to Minnesota's best scoring threat, Hudson Fasching. Fasching had two breakaway chances while on the penalty kill but McAdam was able to stonewall each attempt. The plays look very similar but each time Fasching was turned away.

Justin Kloos had a point-blank range shot in front of McAdam with 1:24 left in the period but once again McAdam held steady, blocking the shot with his chest protector. That was the final scoring chance for either team in the opening frame.

Second Period

Two minutes into the period, Zach Saar got the scoring started with a goal on an assist from Kevin Kerr and Ricky DeRosa.

Moments later, following a whistle, the teams got into a skirmish. The result was matching penalties and the teams skated four-on-four over the next two minutes. The penalties expired without either team getting a quality shot on goal.

A few minutes later Andrew Sturtz scored on a breakaway goal, taking a 2-0 lead. Erik Autio and Alec Marsh assisted on the play.

Ryan Collins was called for hooking before Sturtz scored the goal, so to add insult to injury for the trailing Gophers, Penn State went on the power play. Minnesota was able to kill the penalty and midway through the period the teams skated at even strength.

With 7:26 remaining in the period Conor Varley was called for interference on a play in front of the Penn State net. McAdam stopped the initial shot attempt but was unable to hold the rebound. The puck bounced around the crease and Justin Kloos ended up with the puck alone with a chance to score. Varley's penalty was useful in that it stopped a high-quality scoring chance.

Just thirty seconds later Kevin Kerr was called for a cross check and the Lions found themselves down two skaters. Penn State was able to kill both penalties, with McAdam making several key saves in the exchange. During the penalty kill McAdam appeared to suffer an injury. The referees and his teammates went to the goalie during the first stoppage in play after the flurry of action and the net minder stayed in the game. Check out the team's effort in killing the penalties.

After the penalty kills the teams skated furiously but without either able to score a goal. The Gophers out shot PSU 18-15 in the period but the Lions scored twice and shut out the visiting team.

Here are the goals for Penn State in the period. Saar scored on an effort play on the loose puck in front of the net and Sturtz finished the breakaway chance.

Third Period

Just over a minute into the period the Gophers cut the lead to one goal when Vinny Lettieri stole the puck from Conor Varley and passed the puck to Brent Gates for the goal. McAdam had no chance to stop the shot as Lettieri took the puck to the net and found the open Bates waiting on the other side of the crease.

Four minutes later, Penn State went on the power play but was unable to score.

With just under ten minutes left to play in the game Brent Gates scored for the second time to tie it up at two apiece. The goal was once again made possible by a turnover in the defensive zone by Penn State. Lettieri took advantage and got the pass to Gates who beat McAdam.

For the next few minutes following the tying goal Minnesota controlled the action and seemed poised to score again. Penn State weathered the storm and momentum was even with five minutes left in the game. The teams battled hard for the final minutes but neither was able to score, and the match went to overtime.

Overtime

The teams started the overtime with a fast pace and each team threatening to score. Toward the end of the five minute overtime period, Penn State began to dominate play. After several passes in its offensive zone the effort paid off for the Lions. Vince Pedrie scored on a pass from Tommy Olczyk to win the game 3-2 with 1:03 left in overtime. On the possession the Lions were able to keep the puck in the offensive zone, wearing out the Gophers. After taking the puck from behind the net, Olczyk found the freshman defenseman waiting for the pass and Pedrie found the back of the net from the high slot.

Three Stars

★ Eamon McAdam (40 saves)

★ ★ Vince Pedrie (1 goal, 5 shots, +1)

★ ★ ★ Brent Gates (2 goals, 2 shots, +1)

* * *

Check out Vince Pedrie talk about his game-winning goal.

And Guy Gadowsky's post-game press conference.

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