Penn State Tops Robert Morris Behind Pavlychev’s Four Points
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State scored three times in both the second and third period to beat Robert Morris 7-2 on Friday at Pegula Ice Arena.
Chris Funkey made 37 saves on the night, a season-high for the Nittany Lions between allowing the Nittany Lions to open up the large lead late.
“It was a very good win, but it’s not often the goaltender plays such a major role in a 7-2 win,” Head Coach Guy Gadowsky said. “We had really good goaltending so that was a big part of the win.”
On the offensive side, Nikita Pavlychev had a career night, notching four points on two goals and two assists. He led his linemates Aarne Talvitie and Alec Marsh to a total of 7 points among the trio. Talvitie had one goal and an assist and Marsh scored his first goal of the season.
Evan Barratt got the scoring started for Penn State with a goal 12 minutes into the first period. He tipped a shot from Kris Myllari to the back of the net for his fourth goal of the season.
The Colonials evened the game at one three minutes into the second period, but Talvitie wristed a shot to the top shelf giving Penn State a 2-1 lead.
After a power-play goal for Pavlychev with eight minutes left in the second period gave Penn State a 3-1 advantage before Robert Morris answered only 30 seconds later to make the score 3-2.
That was the closest the Colonials came in the contest as the Nittany Lions reeled off four straight goals.
“I liked that (Pavlychev’s) line played well and we can play consistently on offense but I want us to play more consistently on the other side of the puck as well,” Gadowsky said. “I don’t think people are surprised by (Pavlychev’s offensive production) because he’s a very skilled guy and works so hard, but it is nice to see. For him, I think it’s just a matter of the work paying off and his patience paying off a little bit too. He’s getting better every day.”
Pavlychev leads the Nittany Lions with 13 points through eight games, something not many saw coming at the beginning of the season.
“Yeah I am surprising myself, and I’m surprised (Gadowsky) isn’t surprised, but I’m not going to worry about it,” Pavlychev said. “I’m just going to try to play my game and if the points come that’s good and as long as the team wins I’m happy.”
Alex Limoges opened the third period with a goal, it was his seventh straight game with a point. This is tied with Pavlychev and Barratt for a team-high so far this season.
Marsh and Pavlychev finished off the scoring for Penn State rounding out a convincing win.
The Nittany Lions will travel to Pittsburgh tomorrow to battle the Colonials in the finale of the home-and-home series.
Brian McLaughlin is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email bp3mclaughlin@gmail.com.