Penn State Sweeps Wisconsin in Shootout

Story posted January 6, 2018 in CommRadio, Sports by Jack Milewski

University Park, P.a.- After a controversial no call in overtime the Penn State Nittany Lions dispatched of the Wisconsin Badgers 4-3 in a shootout Saturday night at Pegula Ice Arena. Liam Folkes scored the only goal of the shootout as Penn State swept Wisconsin and took five of six points from the Badgers.

Penn State started the scoring with Folkes in the first period and it was back and forth from there. The win marks the 14th time Penn State has beaten Wisconsin in the last 16 games. It also gives Penn State eight wins in their last 10 games and no loses in that span as well.

Trevor Hamilton, the leading scorer from the blue line for Penn State, was ejected just 17 seconds in to the game. The chirpiness of the game snowballed from there as the teams totaled 21 penalties in what was the second meeting between the teams since Penn State beat the Badgers 2-1 in the Big Ten Championship. Andrew Sturtz was the recipient of constant harassment from Wisconsin, but added an assist to the score sheet to continue his career high eight game point scoring streak.

Sam Sternschein had the second goal for Penn State on a two on one late in the second period and then Chase Berger scored just 54 seconds in to the third period to give Penn State a two-goal lead. Sean Dhooge and Peter Tischke led the charge to Wisconsin as they battled back from the two-goal deficit to force overtime.

In overtime Penn State scored what seemed to be the game winner just over a minute in. Andrew Sturtz scooped a puck from the goal line behind the Badgers goaltender but the goal was nullified due to goaltender interference. James Robinson collided with the Badger net minder. Penn State was able to gain the majority of the scoring chances in overtime but was unable to pot the winner.

With the two points in the standings the Nittany Lions move in to second place in the Big Ten, well behind the 11-0 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. After a 7-7 start to the season, Penn State hasn’t lost a game in over two months. Sturtz and Brandon Biro have led the way during the streak, combining for 28 points in the 10 games.

Guy Gadowsky said that the win was big for the Nittany Lions not only points wise but also for the mentality of his team knowing that they could play such a physical game without a presence like Hamiltons.

Penn State will be back in action next weekend as they take on Ohio State in a two game series at Pegula Ice Arena. Ohio State sits right behind the Nittany Lions in the standings and will be another top 15 matchup for Penn State to start the New Year. Both contests can be caught on Penn State CommRadio with puck drop slated for 7 p.m. both nights.

 

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