Penn State Hockey: Nittany Lions Knock Off Bentley 3-2

By

Ben Jones

–

October 30, 2014 – 11:46 pm

Altoona, Latest Penn State News, Local & Penn State Sports, Local News, Penn State Hockey, Penn State Sports, Sports News, State College, StateCollege.com, Williamsport

How It Happened:

Penn State came from behind for a win for the first time this season after an early goal sneaked through Matthew Skoff’s pads, giving Bentley a 1-0 lead only 6:40 into the game.

The Nittany Lions surged back en route to a 16 shot opening period and scored with just over seven minutes to play as Casey Bailey poked in a bouncing puck. Curtis Loik would add another goal with less than three minutes to go in the period to open a 2-1 lead heading into intermission.

Despite a fairly even period, Bentley would only get eight shots on goal in the first 20 minutes of play.

The Nittany Lions continued their dominant play in the second period with a game high 19 shots on goal. Only one tally would be registered. David Goodwin added to the lead with around nine minutes to go in the second stanza. Bentley would get a power play opportunity in the second period but would register only one shot on net as Matthew Skoff stood tall making some big pad saves.

Max French made things interesting in the third period when he added a goal only 3:53 into the final frame to make it a one goal game at 3-2. Bentley would go on the man advantage twice in the final 11 minutes of play but would fail to capitalize and tie the game.

Penn State improves to 4-1-2 on the year.

Turning Point:

David Goodwin’s even strength goal with nine minutes to go in the second period would be the eventual game winner as the Nittany Lions took a 3-1 lead. Bentley would score in the opening four minutes of the third period but would never tie the game despite 10 shots in the final frame.

Player of the Game:

Casey Bailey’s two point night coupled with his nine shots on net made him an easy pick for player of the game. His goal with just under seven minutes to go in the first period tied the game at 1-1 and Bentley would never take the lead again. Bailey would also pick up the assist on the Nittany Lions’ third goal of the night which was the eventual game winner.

Stat of the Game:

Penn State registered 54 shots on net, outshooting Bentley in every period of the game. Forward Casey Bailey lad the Nittany Lions with nine shots on goal with a goal and an assist. Curtis Loik was second on the squad with seven shots and a goal as well. With Bentley boasting the ninth best power play in the nation, the Nittany Lions had to kill off four penalties. Penn State gave up both goals while down a man.

They Said It:

“It was a tough game for him to be a part of.” Guy Gadowsky on goaltender Matthew Skoff not facing many shots but making big saves.

What’s Next:

Penn State returns to the ice Friday at 7 p.m. to face Bentley in the second game of the series and the final game at Pegula Ice Arena for the next two months.