With the Gophers streaking and Penn State coming off a demoralizing sweep, fans of both teams can expect an electric series this weekend. Although they will be facing the newest program in the Big Ten, the Gophers know that they will have their hands full with a PSU team that is still fighting for a conference title.
“They’re obviously growing,” said Mike Reilly. “They’re a legit contender right now. They’ve got some high-scoring guys. They’ve got a great rink and they’re crowd; they sellout every single night. It’s kind of turned into a little bit of a rivalry and we’re excited for that.”
PREGAME NOTES
No 15/17 Minnesota (16-9-3 overall, 7-2-3 Big Ten) vs. Penn State (15-9-4 overall, 7-4-1 Big Ten)
Friday, 5:30 p.m. CT on BTN – Pegula Ice Arena (5,782)
Saturday, 4:00 p.m. CT on ESPNU – Pegula Ice Arena
Series History
It hasn’t been a lengthy series, something the Nittany Lions are likely thankful for. Last season, Minnesota won all four meetings, holding a perfect 4-0 all-time record against Penn State. Playing at PSU, the Gophers took the first game of the series, 3-2, thanks to goals from the backend. Brady Skjei, Mike Reilly, and Ben Marshall all tallied goals in the victory. The Gophers followed the win with a 5-2 victory to complete the series sweep.
On the Road
The Gophers have recorded two consecutive sweeps, over Ohio State and Michigan, at home. The Maroon and Gold will look to keep the momentum going as they travel to the hostile environment of Pegula Ice Arena.
“All of a sudden you start to win some games but now the big challenge, you’ve got to go on the road,” said Don Lucia. “We’re not playing at Mariucci Arena; so you gain confidence playing at home. Obviously, you look at the last couple years, we haven’t lost many games here. Now, that has to carry forward as we hit the road.”
Playing at Penn State won’t be easy as the Nittany Lions are an incredible 10-1-3 at home.
“They’re selling out their building,” explained Lucia. “They’re a team that’s a high-volume shot-producer. They’re going to shoot from anywhere. All of a sudden, you look at them, and they’re a veteran team. There’s 17 juniors and seniors on their team. I believe they have four guys that are under 21 years of age so they’re older and they’ve got some guys playing good. They’re top-end guys are in that junior-senior range and they’re scoring.”
The Gophers know they will encounter a rowdy crowd this weekend.
“It’s always a tough environment to play in,” said Seth Ambroz. “The two games we played there last year, it was loud and pretty hostile. It’ll be a fun series.”
Despite the challenge in front of them, the Maroon and Gold are looking forward to the road trip.
“That’s definitely one of the best places to play and going there last year was an awesome experience,” said Reilly.
Season to Date
If you’re a Nittany Lions hockey fan, you’ve got to be happy with the season as a whole. PSU is an impressive 15-9-4 overall and hold wins over Michigan, UMass Lowell, and have won all four meetings against Wisconsin. Penn State is tied for third in the Big Ten and is just two points behind Michigan and the Gophers. The Nittany Lions are looking to bounce back after getting swept by Michigan State last weekend.
Coaching Preview
Guy Gadowsky is in fourth season behind the bench as head coach for PSU. Gadowsky lead the Nittany Lions to a 13-14-0 record during the school’s first season at the NCAA Division 1 level. Penn State struggled mightily last season, finishing with an 8-26-2 record. Prior to taking over the PSU program, Gadowsky spent seven seasons coaching Princeton and five at Alaska-Fairbanks.
Nittany Lion to Watch
The PSU offense runs through No. 25 Casey Bailey. The junior from Anchorage, Alaska is having a phenomenal season, notching 20 goals and 14 assists in 28 games. When Bailey has the puck expect him to shoot. He’s racked up 167 shots this season, 75 more shots than his next closest teammate. The Gophers were able to completely shut down Michigan’s Zach Hyman last weekend, the same intensity and focus will be needed against Bailey who can take over a game if given the opportunity.
Background
Location: University Park, Pa.
Enrollment: 45,518
Conference: Big Ten
Mascot: Nittany Lions
Colors: Dark Royal Blue and White
Coach: Guy Gadowsky (4th Season)