Around the Big Ten Hockey: Oct. 20

We’re getting closer to conference play in the Big Ten Conference and teams are seeing what works and what doesn’t. Only a few more rehearsals before conference rivals clash, so let’s check on each program’s week.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

The now No. 1 Gophers had a bit of a roller coaster experience over the weekend as they faced off against St. Thomas, the same group that upset a highly ranked St. Cloud team just a few weeks ago. The story was looking similar when the Tommies dug themselves out of a hole and led 4-2 early on in the third-period.

It was back-and-forth for the rest of the game with a third-period onslaught of goals. The game would need overtime and then Jimmy Snuggerud lifted the Gophers to the Game 1 victory.

Game 2 was all Minnesota with a 3-0 shutout. With an upset avoided and a sweep in their back pocket, the Gophers will now prepare for a heavyweight matchup against No. 5 North Dakota.

Michigan Wolverines

On the other hand, the No. 7 Wolverines hit a road bump with their matchup against UMass. After a strong 7-2 win, Michigan was caught flat-footed and dropped Game 2 the very next day 6-3.

Rutger McGroarty has continued to impress both the NCAA and Winnipeg Jets fans as he’s accumulated nine points in the four games.

Conference play will begin for the Wolverines with a series against No. 13 Ohio State on the horizon.

Penn State Nittany Lions

The Nittany Lions saw a huge jump in the USCHO poll with a sweep in North Country. Once ranked No. 18, Penn State now sits at No. 12 with its victories against Clarkson and St. Lawrence.

Ryan Kirwan has continued to impress so far this season scoring five points in three games. His efforts were about to get him Big Ten’s Third Star of the Week.

Michigan State Spartans

The No. 8 Spartans had an interesting weekend as well as they traveled to face Air Force. Game 1 did end in favor of Michigan State as the team fell 6-5. The Spartans trailed for the entire game, coming close but not close enough.

They took the punch and came back in Game 2. A Joey Larson hat trick helped elevate the program to a bounce-back victory and a split.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Irish went to RIT and left in defeat as the Tigers handed the green and gold a 3-0 shutout loss. They need to move on from the loss quickly as the extremely talented No. 6 Boston University Terriers come to South Bend.

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes welcomed Lindenwood to Columbus and did their thing in Game 1. The big dogs, Stephen Halliday and Davis Burnside did their job with multi-point performances.

Game 2 was a bit different for OSU as Lindenwood stormed back down 2-0 to tie it in the third period. No team would have an answer from there as the game would end in a tie.

Wisconsin Badgers

Badgers fans were left feeling a wide range of emotions with back-to-back games against Bemidji State and North Dakota on the road. Against Bemidji State, Cruz Lucius had himself a game, scoring twice. One of those goals ended up being the game-winning overtime goal to help the Badgers win 4-3.

A tall mountain was to be climbed in Game 2, but Wisconsin did its best to give the program a shot to win. Goaltender Kyle McClellan kept the Badgers in it, stopping 24 of 26 shots. The offense would be shut out however and fall 2-0 to the Fighting Hawks.

Anthony Desher is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email acd5698@psu.edu.