Series grades: Penn State women’s hockey vs Boston College
Penn State got back to positive results this weekend as it went undefeated in a series against Boston College. The Nittany Lions defeated the Eagles 3-2 in Game 1 and tied 2-2 in Game 2.
Let’s take a look at how each position group performed during the Nittany Lions’ successful weekend.
Forwards: B
Penn State’s forwards did a great job getting the jump on the Eagles in Game 1. Before 10 minutes had passed in the first period, the Nittany Lions had a multi-goal advantage.
They were able to tack on a goal in the second period and hang on to win the game.
The blue and white also scored first in Game 2 and led after one period of play. However, this time Penn State couldn’t tack on and ended up tying because of it.
The Nittany Lions succeeded in getting off to fast starts offensively, but their inability to score late in games may have held them from recording a series sweep.
Defense: B-
It’s safe to say that the Nittany Lion defense has struggled this season. From giving up nine scores to Wisconsin to allowing two last-minute, game-winning goals to Colgate, Penn State has had issues.
The Penn State defense was solid on the road against Boston College. It only gave up four goals over the two contests.
Although the team didn’t allow a ton of goals, the defense did not improve on where they were most vulnerable against Colgate: the third period.
After leading 3-0 in Game 1, the Nittany Lion defense gave up back-to-back goals to allow the Eagles to creep back into the tilt. In Game 2, Penn State conceded the game-tying goal in the third period.
Not a bad weekend for the Nittany Lion defense, but lapses in the third continue to linger.
Goaltending: A-
Josie Bothun has been the most consistent player on Penn State this season. Once again, she was rock solid in a series between the pipes.
Not much to say other than that Bothun was sharp throughout the series, making 20-plus saves in each contest and only allowing two goals in each.
Coaching: A
Jeff Kampersal earned career win number 400 in Game 1 against Boston College. That in itself is enough to give props to Kampersal and his staff.
The Penn State coaching staff was able to get their team back on its feet after two heartbreaking losses to Colgate.
The team did not allow one power play goal and even scored a short-handed goal. It may not have been a series sweep, but Penn State’s coaching staff got their squad back to winning ways after a back breaking last series.
Maclain Young is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email macyoung21@gmail.com.
