Penn State Drops Thriller to Boston College, Continues Skid
Penn State (4-14-1, 0-6 Big Ten) fell to Boston College by a score of 3-2 on Saturday night at Pegula Ice Arena.
The Eagles (17-4-3, 11-1-1 Hockey East) arrived in Happy Valley in search of a similar outcome from their last meeting with the Lions. In their previous matchup, Penn State fell to the Eagles 8-2 on December 28th, at the Three Rivers Classic in Pittsburgh, PA.
“We all had a little chip on our shoulders tonight. We didn’t want a repeat performance,” said Penn State forward Eric Scheid.
Right out of the gate the two teams were buzzing. The Eagles struck first as a result from a consistently heavy fore-check. A hard charging Kevin Hayes skated through the Penn State defense and sent a backhanded shot that rang off the post and dribbled into the net.
With just under three minutes to play in the 1st period, Boston College found themselves inches from a two-goal lead. Penn State freshman net minder Eamon McAdam, dove across the width of the crease and robbed a point blank scoring opportunity from Austin Cangelosi.
“I was very impressed with [McAdam]. He can pass the puck almost like a defenseman. He was fantastic to say the least,” said Boston College coach Jerry York.
Just 5 minutes into the 2nd period, a centering pass from behind the net gave the Lions a terrific scoring opportunity. Scheid positioned himself in the slot while Mike Williamson lurked at the side of the net. The centering pass deflected off of Demko’s stick allowing Scheid to jam home the rebound for the Lions first goal.
Offsetting minors for roughing would send Penn State’s Zach Saar and Boston College’s Michael Matheson to the penalty box. The ensuing 4 on 4 play greatly benefitted the speedy Eagles. NCAA goal scoring leader Johnny Gaudreau would add to his total after a beautiful backhanded deke to beat McAdam.
“Johnny is a talented player. We were reluctant that he could continue to produce for us tonight,” said York.
The 3rd period would prove to be a wild one. An early penalty from Connor Varley would set the Lions shorthanded for 5 minutes.
Hayes tallied his second goal of the night, beating McAdam to his blocker side. However, Penn State forward Taylor Holmstrom was determined to slice the Eagles’ lead in half. His quick shot from the right side of the net beat Demko’s glove hand for a shorthanded goal a few moments later in what would be Penn State’s final tally of the night.
“What prevented us from getting a positive outcome on the score board, is a lesson that we have already learned [taking inopportune penalties],” said Penn State coach Guy Gadowsky. “Aside from that, we are very much in our infancy. For us to have this kind of performance against a great team is huge for the players and the coaching staff.”
Gadowsky and the Lions return to Big Ten play when they take on Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio on January 31st.
Ryan Ruff is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email rpr5069@psu.edu.
