Hobey Baker chants filled Pegula on Friday night as Casey Bailey’s third-period laser found the back of the net. The Nittany Lions jumped back into Big Ten play on a high note, defeating the Badgers 5-2.

Goals were scored by Penn State’s Tommy Olczyk, Eric Scheid, David Goodwin, Casey Bailey, and Taylor Holstrom. Cameron Hughes netted Wisconsin’s two.

With the victory, Penn State set a new program record for most single-season wins at the Division 1 level, surpassing the 2012-13 team’s total of 13.

How It Happened

Penn State’s Olczyk initiated the scoring with a goal off a rebound 5:54 into the first. Momentum shifted as the period continued, with two goals from Wisconsin’s Hughes.

The second period featured a few crucial saves from goalie P.J. Musico. Coach Guy Gadowsky noted the second as Musico’s best period. “That (second period) could’ve turned out to be much, much, different,” Gadowsky said. “He let in two early and came back. He’s very solid back there in a lot of ways.”

Eric Scheid started the second period off right, netting a goal 1:26 in. At the end of the period, David Goodwin (in classic Goodwin fashion) dove to the net for a goal off of a rebound. Gadowsky called Goodwin a “very intelligent man,” for having a tendency to be around the net for the gritty goals.

“If you play with a guy who loves to shoot the puck (Bailey), smart guys go to the net,” Gadowsky said, “and that’s what he’s doing.”

Bailey drilled a glorious rocket into the net 10:47 into the third. To seal the deal for the Lions, Taylor Holstrom tallied an empty netter with 9.1 seconds left in the game, giving Penn State its 14th win of the season and 19 conference points. Penn State now trails Michigan by just two points in the Big Ten standings.

Player of the Game

PJ Musico. Although Musico let in two early goals, his second period saves kept the Lions in the game. Gadowsky said Musico “stood tall” and that mentality was necessary for the comeback.

Tweet of the Game

Because of course.

.@TheRoarZone told everyone at Pegula what was on the menu tonight. pic.twitter.com/FdzNQCjoav

— Onward State (@OnwardState) February 6, 2015

Video of the Game

Wham.

Takeaways

• Once again, Penn State’s first line proved invaluable. Goodwin, Holstrom, and Bailey all produced goals and continued to create chances. “We’re getting rewarded for doing the little things,” Bailey said of his line . “We’re very comfortable with each other, we know each of our roles.”
• Gadowsky credited the student section with adding to the momentum. “The Roar Zone was all in white, they sang happy birthday – they’re a huge factor. We felt a lot of energy from them and I think it carried us on.”

What’s Next?

Penn State returns to action against the Badgers tomorrow afternoon at Pegula for a 2 p.m. faceoff. The Nittany Lions hit the road next weekend for a pair of games against Michigan State.