Around The Big Ten (Hockey): Jan. 26

Story posted January 26, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Nolan Wick

Another week of Big Ten hockey is in the books, and some very exciting matchups took place.

There were lopsided victories, while other games were very close and competitive. It’s crunch time in the Big Ten season, so let’s see what’s been going on around the conference recently.

Penn State Punishes Wisconsin

It was a memorable weekend for Penn State, but for Wisconsin it was quite the opposite. The Nittany Lions took care of business against the Badgers at home and swept the series handily.

In game one, Penn State defeated Wisconsin 4-1 thanks to two goals each from Ryan Kirwan and Connor McMenamin.

Head coach Guy Gadowsky has spoken highly of Kirwan’s skill, saying he has an “NHL shot.”

Game two, though, turned out to be even more lopsided, as Penn State won 7-2. However, it did not feel like a blowout until the third period. Neither team scored in the first period, and Penn State had just a 3-2 lead early in the final period.

The Nittany Lions proceeded to score four unanswered goals on the Wisconsin goaltending tandem of Jared Moe and Cameron Rowe, sending the Badgers scurrying for the airport as soon as the final horn sounded in an electric whiteout atmosphere.

Minnesota And Michigan Split Competitive Series

It was a clash of the titans up in Minneapolis, as now-No. 10 Minnesota hosted now-No. 4 Michigan.

Game one was a very competitive game as the Golden Gophers won 2-1 in overtime. Penalties were a problem for both teams in this series, as both teams took three or more.

In game two, the Wolverines came out strong. Although the Golden Gophers opened the scoring, the Wolverines proceeded to score four unanswered goals in a 4-1 Michigan win.

Both teams are good enough to compete with each other and are clearly among the best in the conference. The series split shows that while Michigan is one of the best teams in college hockey, it is not invincible despite its high talent level.

Ohio State Edges Michigan State

Now-No. 12 Ohio State swept Michigan State in East Lansing this past weekend.

The Buckeyes won the first game 4-1 in a convincing fashion. Michigan State was simply outplayed by a better team, but taking four penalties did not help matters, either. Both teams bombarded each other with over 30 shots, but Ohio State ended up getting its way in the end.

Game two was a little different. Ohio State took a 2-0 lead, although Michigan State seemed to play up to standards. The Spartans scored their first goal on a power play in the second period and things looked as if Michigan State could tie the game, although Ohio State scored an insurance goal to put the Buckeyes up 3-1.

Tanner Kelly scored another goal for Michigan State, making the score 3-2 late in the third period. However, it would not be enough, as Ohio State won 3-2.


Nolan Wick is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email nhw5046@psu.edu.