Hockey Preview: Penn State vs. Michigan State
It’s been a week since Michigan State embarrassed Penn State on the football field in East Lansing, but this weekend the Nittany Lions are looking to get things done on the ice.
Penn State (8-2-3) is unbeaten in their last six matches and has earned a national ranking at No. 19. The Spartans (4-7-2) on the other hand, are winless in their last five, but all were against ranked opponents including No. 2 Boston College. It’s been a tough stretch for the Spartans, and at the end of this weekend, Michigan State will have played seven straight games against ranked opponents.
Although the Spartans have had a rough start, they do have some bright spots. Their penalty kill, which is 42 of 47 (.894), ranks ninth in the country. Additionally, goaltender Jake Hildebrand has two shutouts in 13 starts.
Hildebrand, who this season averages 2.95 goals allowed so far this season, was named Big Ten Goaltender and Player of the Year after recording a .930 save percentage and 2.18 goals-against average, good for best among all Big Ten goaltenders. More importantly, Hildebrand flourished in Big Ten play posting a 1.94 goals-against-average and allowed two or fewer goals in 13 of 20 league games, including five shutouts.
Last season when these two teams met, the Nittany Lions were 1-0-1 in their first matchup at home, but were swept when they traveled to East Lansing.
For the Nittany Lions, it will most likely be Matthew Skoff who is in net Friday for the 7 p.m. faceoff, and Eamon McAdam, fresh off a 30-save shutout and a Big Ten first star of the week honor, will be in net for Saturday’s 3 p.m. faceoff. Both of the Nittany Lions puck stoppers are ranked in the top five for goals-against-average as well as save percentage. Additionally, in the month of November, the duo hasn’t conceded more than two goals in a single game.
In addition to solid play in net, Penn State leads the nation in shots per game, averaging 45. Scoring is led by freshman Chase Berger who has had a great impact on the ice, along with the six other freshman skaters. All seven skating freshman have tallied at least one point.
“We know what to expect from Penn State. They’re a hard-working team, especially at home and it’ll be a fun environment to play in. I think our team will embrace that,’’ Anastos said. “Penn State is a team that likes to shoot the puck from anywhere.”
Brandon Pelter is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism and finance. To contact him, email brandon.pelter@gmail.com.
