Big Ten Hockey Week In Review

Story posted January 18, 2016 in CommRadio, Sports by Jack Milewski

The Big Ten weekend slate was highlighted by two sweeps, a little movement at the top, and a brawl to end what was a wild series between Michigan and Ohio State. Here is how everything shook out.

Penn State vs. Wisconsin:

Penn State moved into sole possession of second place in the standings with a sweep of the Wisconsin Badgers. The Nittany Lions rode a great performance from David Goodwin in game one, that culminated with the overtime winner to grab the Nittany Lions three points after Wisconsin had tied it late. The second game was less eventful, as the Nittany Lions netted two goals in the first period and Eric Scheid applied the pressure all night, lighting the lamp twice en route to a 4-1 win and the series victory. With only six games played in the Big Ten, Penn State has 15 of a possible 18 points and are in the drivers seat as far as the standings are concerned.

Minnesota vs. Michigan State:

Justin Kloos and Tyler Sheehy had big performances in the second game of the series, factoring in on all three of the Golden Gophers goals, as Minnesota rallied for a 3-1 victory and the series sweep of the Spartans. Kloos also kicked started the first game with a goal just 21 seconds in as the Gophers never looked back from that point on, capturing their fifth and sixth Big Ten victories. Minnesota is in first place with 18 points, although they have played two more games than the Nittany Lions, who are just three points behind them. However, after a shaky start to the season, Minnesota is back over the .500 mark for the first time all season.

Michigan vs. Ohio State:

This Friday-Sunday home and home series lived up to the rivalry billing and then some. The first game featured multiple lead changes and runs in which both teams seemed poised to run away with it, but then relinquished big leads. Ohio State went up 4-1 before conceding four straight Wolverine goals. In the waning seconds, the Buckeyes tallied once again to knot the score up at five. The game headed to a shootout that Ohio State ultimately won in a crazy back and forth game. If game one was crazy, game two was down right insane. Tyler Motte carded his first career hat trick and Michigan had to use another rally, this time in the form of a five goal third period, to beat Ohio State. The fireworks lasted well after the final whistle as well as there was a game ending brawl, a rarity in college hockey. Order was eventually restored, but not before over 90 penalty minutes were given out after the game had already ended. Cutler Martin landed the big time blow, a punch to the head of an Ohio State defender, that will surely land him a suspension.

The standings in the Big Ten remain mostly the same as Minnesota and Michigan are on top, followed closely by Penn State. Ohio State, Wisconsin and Michigan State bring up the rear.

Jack Milewski is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him email jbm250@psu.edu.