Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Penn State Men’s Hockey Steamrolled By Michigan 7-1

With one final series remaining in the regular season, only three points separate Michigan and Penn State in the Big Ten Standings. In what was supposed to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the regular season, the Lions simply fell flat. Instead of tying Michigan for second place in the Big Ten, Penn State heads back to the drawing board after a demoralizing 7-1 defeat on the road.

How It Happened

At the time of the puck drop, it seemed as though the Nittany Lions would bring their usual brand of physical hockey to the table in what should’ve been a tight contest. Unfortunately for Penn State fans, the early minutes of the first period would be nothing more than a facade. Andrew Sturtz got the Lions on the board first with No. 18 of the season, but his goal would prove to be his team’s only one of the night. The Penn State penalty kill unit flashed its muscle in the early going by staving off two consecutive Michigan power plays. The team’s good fortune would soon run out, however, after Wolverine’s freshman Kyle Connor netted the equalizer with 4:46 remaining in the first period.

Michigan forward Tony Calderone kicked off the second period scoring with a breakaway goal to end the stalemate, which lasted the duration of the period. Michigan and Penn State battled throughout, but neither team could outlast the other.

Michigan came out firing to start the third period, getting things going with a goal one minute in to make it 3-1. The Wolverines opened up the floodgates in the third, outmatching the Nittany Lions as they abused the porous Penn State defense throughout the remainder of the game. Justin Selman made it 4-1 three minutes later. The Wolverines tacked on a fifth shortly after, and the sixth that followed proved to be McAdam’s curtain call. The netminder was replaced by Chris Funkey, who was tasked with stopping the bleeding as the team faced a 6-1 deficit.

A seventh goal late in the third sealed the team’s fate, sending the Nittany Lions back to the drawing board as they attempt to rebound from the 7-1 decimation.

Player Of The Game

Andrew Sturtz | F | Freshman 

There weren’t many bright spots for Penn State, but if there was one, it was Andrew Sturtz. The freshman played a scrappy game and never quit despite such a staggering deficit. He was the first and only man to score for the Nittany Lions, and with such a rough overall performance from the team, that’s something to be commended.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions will again face Michigan for the second leg of the series on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

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

David Abruzzese

David is a senior from Rochester, NY, nestled right in beautiful Western New York. He is majoring in Broadcast Journalism, and as an avid sports fan, he passionately supports the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. He is the first Penn Stater from his family, and couldn’t be prouder to represent Penn State University. In his free time, he likes to alpine ski, and play golf. You can follow him on Twitter @abruz11, and can contact him via email at [email protected].

Zion Sykes Elected UPUA Student Body President

Sykes is a junior double majoring in political science and global and international politics and hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Penn State Alum Taking Passion For Storytelling & Cooking To Next Level

Gabrielle Chappel has taken her skills to FOX’s “Next Level Chef” where she competes on Team Ramsay.

Decorating Downtown: State College Resident Paints Town & Faces

Whether it’s faces or windows, local painter Emily Cooper has you covered.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.4kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by David

So Long, And Goodnight: David Abruzzese’s Senior Column

It’s been a hell of a ride, folks. Senior staffer David Abruzzese rides off into the sunset with his senior column.

Saquon Barkley Mum On NFL Future; Relishes Fiesta Bowl Opportunity

DOTD: Nittany Lion Catches Pass At Fiesta Bowl