Topics

More

Men’s Hockey Drops Big Ten Opener To Wisconsin 7-1

After a humbling 5-4 loss to Union last Sunday, the men’s hockey team looked to rebound against No. 17 Wisconsin and snap the recent four-game skid. However, the Nittany Lions were no match for the overpowering Badgers and Penn State dropped its Big Ten opener 7-1. Penn State is now 3-8-1 on the year following the loss.

Wisconsin jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with quick goals from Grant Besse and Frankie Simonelli to start the game. However, Penn State cut the lead in half with eight minutes left in the first when captain Tommy Olczyk notched his first of the season to make the score 2-1. Ricky Derosa found Olczyk wide open in the slot, who was able to beat the glove of Wisconsin goaltender Joel Rumpel (27 saves, .964 save percentage).

The flood gates burst open in the second period, however, as Wisconsin got goals from Michael Mersch and Tyler Barnes to put the Badgers up 4-1. The Nittany Lions were unable to generate any offense throughout the second, and were outshot 18 to 7 during the period.

Penn State didn’t fare any better in the third period, as Wisconsin’s Nic Kerdiles scored eight minutes in to make the score 5-1. Coach Guy Gadowsky pulled Penn State goaltender Matthew Skoff (33 saves, .868 save percentage) after the goal and opted to go with P.J. Musico (three saves, two goals against) for the remainder of the game. It was Musico’s first appearance for the Nittany Lions this season, and suffice it to say that neither goalie played well against the Badgers.

Even with the goalie change, Wisconsin was able to tack on two more with goals from Kevin Schulze and Brad Navin. The Nittany Lions once again couldn’t solve Rumpel in the third period, and the Badgers were able to close out the 7-1 win. The 7-1 final is the Nittany Lion’s biggest loss of the season.

Penn State will face Wisconsin again tonight at 9 p.m. Fans can watch the game on BTN2Go.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Greg Schlosser

Greg is a senior majoring in energy engineering at Penn State. He is a big fan of Pittsburgh sports and sandwiches with coleslaw and french fries. You can email him at [email protected] or find him at the Phyrst drunkenly requesting the band to play "One Headlight."

Penn State Football Rises To No. 4 In AP Poll

Four top-10 teams lost over the weekend.

Penn State Football’s Defense Bends, Doesn’t Break In UCLA Win

The Nittany Lions allowed 260 yards, one field goal, and a garbage-time touchdown in the 27-11 victory.

Penn State Football’s Offense Powers Through Nick Singleton’s Absence

The Nittany Lions managed just 85 rushing yards without their leading rusher.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
60.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Greg

Make The Most Of Happy Valley: Greg Schlosser’s Senior Column

They say there are three inevitable certainties in life: Death, Taxes, and Graduation. Or at least I think that’s the saying, anyways.

Penn State Football Selects 2015 Leadership Council

Peter and Ann Tombros Offer Donation To Improve Basketball Facilities