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Penn State Hockey Final: Lions Defeat Spartans With High Powered Offensive Effort

PSU scored early and often to take the first game of the weekend series.

By ChrisTaylor

1st 2nd 3rd Final
Penn State 2 2 2 6
Michigan State 0 1 0 1
Shots on Goal 1st 2nd 3rd Final
Penn State 20 12 17 49
Michigan State 8 14 8 29

No. 16 Penn State (18-8-3) has tied its win total from last season, which was the most in program history, with at least eight games remaining. For the first time in three seasons, spanning four games, the Lions were able to win in East Lansing.

Penn State got out to a great start with two first period goals. Vince Pedrie scored a power play goal to get things started for the Lions. Tommy Olczyk added a goal late in the period when he followed an Alec Marsh shot, collected the rebound and put it in the back of the net. The first twenty minutes were played mostly on MSU's side of the ice, with the Lions holding a 20-8 shot advantage.

The second period was marred by three Penn State penalties. The Spartans were unable to score with the man advantage but did manage to cut the lead to 2-1 early in the frame. Less than a minute after the lead was cut to one, Eric Scheid extended the lead back to 3-1 when he followed a Chase Berger shot off a 2 on 2 break. Andrew Sturtz made a great individual play to cap the second period scoring. He stole a lazy breakout pass, skated a few strides toward the net, and let a snap shot loose that made the score 4-1 heading into the final period.

The Lions breezed through the third period, adding two goals. The teams will square off on Saturday night at 7 p.m. for the final game of the series.

Game Synopsis

The teams skated evenly for the first several minutes of the game. The Spartans were called for two early penalties and were able to kill off the first disadvantage. On the second power play the Lions made it count. Vince Pedrie scored a goal in the opening seconds with the man advantage. Eric Scheid and and Alec Marsh assisted on the play.

Late in the opening period Tommy Olczyk extended the Penn State lead to 2-0. Michigan State turned the puck over in the neutral zone and it created a quick 2 on 2 break for Penn State. Unable to score on the initial push, Olczyk put the second shot of the play past Jake Hildebrand for the goal. It was Olczyk who started the scoring opportunity with the steal and pass to the streaking Alec Marsh.

Six minutes into the second period Michigan State cut the lead to 2-1 when Cody Milan scored a goal. The Spartans had a power play but were unable to score with the man advantage. Shortly after the power play ended, Milan took an errant pass and beat goalie Matt Skoff with a solid wrist shot.

Less than a minute later Eric Scheid answered the goal with one of his own to extend the lead back to a two goal, 3-1 lead.

The teams skated furiously following the matching goals. Seven minutes later, following a Penn State penalty kill, Andrew Sturtz scored for a 4-1 PSU lead. On the play Sturtz stole an outlet pass and took the puck in for a nasty snap shot that went just over Hildebrand's left shoulder.

Early in the final period Penn State iced the game when David Goodwin took a pass from Andrew Sturtz and brought the lead out to 5-1.

With four minutes left in the game, Zach Saar added a sixth goal to the tally. Saar came out of the penalty box and immediately took the puck in on Hildebrand for a tough-angle shot. The Lions were on a penalty kill thanks to an Eamon McAdam penalty. McAdam was on the bench when an MSU player was pushed over the boards. McAdam gave the player a few unnecessary shoves and was called for unsportsmanlike conduct. Zach Saar served the penalty for the goalie, and it worked out well for the Michigan native, as he was in the right place at the right time once the penalty expired.

Stars of the Game

4-star recruit Andrew Sturtz, Penn State. One goal and one assist.

4-star recruit4-star recruit Matt Skoff, Penn State. Win, 28 saves.

4-star recruit4-star recruit4-star recruit David Goodwin, Penn State. One goal and one assist.

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