Penn State Completes Sweep of Alabama-Huntsville

Story posted February 9, 2013 in CommRadio, Sports by Ryan Ruff

After blanking the Chargers in a hard fought game Friday night 4-0, David Glen and the Nittany Lions looked to continue their goal scoring frenzy to sweep of the Chargers.

The first period began with constant trading of possessions through the neutral zone. The Chargers were able to generate several scoring opportunities early, however, they were snubbed by the quick reactions of the Penn State net minder Matthew Skoff.

After a dominating sequence of board play from the Lions, Taylor Holmstrom found Casey Bailey waiting in the slot for a one-timer. Bailey’s rocket found the back of the net after clipping off the right post.

Following the goal, Charger Lasse Uusivirta was called for interference. Even though John Griggs was able to stop the Lion’s ensuing power play from taking a two-goal lead, the Lions still held the momentum through the rest of the period.

The second period opened with a big bang along the boards, leading to a scrap between Penn State’s Jacob Friedman and Alabama’s Sebastian Geoffrion. Due to the offsetting roughing minors, the Lions were forced to change their game to a fast-paced four on four.

Taylor Holmstrom seized his window of opportunity by generating a great scoring chance on a break away. Griggs was able to shift with Holmstrom and find the puck between his pads keeping it a one-goal game.

As the period moved along, the Lions penalty kill squad was able to kill off several Charger power plays. In return, the Lions were granted a four on three power play and were determined to take a two goal lead.

Quick passes in the “Umbrella” formation allowed David Glen a small but effective scoring chance. His one-timer from Bailey found the back of the net, creating Glen’s 4th goal in two games.

As the period was closing down, Alabama-Huntsville found a glimmer of hope on Kyle Lysaght’s wrist shot to the top shelf. His goal sliced the Lions lead in half going into the second intermission.

With the Lions only holding a one-goal advantage into the third period, plenty of room existed for a wild finish. Just as expected, the period opened with the Chargers having a two-man advantage.

During a wild scramble in the crease, the puck finally found the back of the net for the Chargers, after a previous goal was washed out due to a skate kick.  The Chargers' goal from Justin Cseter tied the game with plenty of play remaining.

Several minutes later, a bouncing puck found its way to the stick of Kenny Brooks. On an attempt to make a centering pass from behind the net, the puck found its way barely crossing the goal line after clipping Briggs’ skate.

Officials met at center ice to further discuss if the full puck crossed the line. After much mediation they ruled that the puck did cross the line, giving the Lions the lead 3-2.  Unfortunately for Penn State, Charger’s Geoffrion made sure that lead didn’t stand. His re-direction of a shot from the point tied the game at 3.  

During four on four play late in the third period, Mark Yanis found the net on a bomb of a slap shot taken from the slot. His goal would please his coach and the fans, ultimately deciding the game.

“There is not a coach in the world that doesn’t want to score the first goal. But when you do it feels real good,” said Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky.

Scoring early has been a problem for the Lions, but Gadowsky ensured that his team was making efforts to change that. Gadowsky also commended his defensemen and their play on the night.

“I give a lot of credit to those guys," he said. "Especially when only skating four defensemen. They worked very hard.”

With this win, the Lions record improves to 13-13-0. It was a hard fought and scoring frenzy in State College these past two nights, but each night the Nittany Lions prevailed. The Lions will host Oklahoma next on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon at the Greenberg Ice Pavilion, with hopes to continue this win streak. Both games will air on ComRadio.

Ryan Ruff is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, e-mail rpr5069@psu.edu.