Penn State dropped by Notre Dame, power play in 2-1 loss

The No. 6-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions fell short of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 2-1, in Friday night’s battle at Pegula Ice Arena.

With the loss, the Nittany Lions dropped to 17-7-1 on the season and 7-7-1 in Big Ten play. 

How it happened

The first frame was a very clean period of hockey. Both teams limited mistakes and handled the puck well. Both Ryan Bischel of the Fighting Irish and Liam Souliere of the Nittany Lions stopped great chances from both sides and made the period a fight. 

Penn State got its first chance on the power play as Jake Boltmann was called for slashing with 5:36 to play in the period. 

The 5-on-4 power-play woes for Penn State continued, though, as this was the only weak part of the Lions’ first period. After having to reset after multiple lost pucks, the Nittany Lions were unable to get anything going. 

Approaching the one-minute mark, intermission appeared destined for a tie when Jarod Crespo sent in a strong shot. Blocked by Bischel, Danny Dzhaniyev found the rebound and buried the shot. It put the Lions up 1-0 heading into the second period. The assists were credited to Crespo and Ture Linden. 

Less than five minutes into the second period, the Irish tied it up with a Chayse Primeau goal on an assist from Justin Janicke. 

Afterward, the game got more physical. Ryan Helliwell and Carter Schade got into a scrum in front of Souliere. Xander Lampa came in to defend his teammate, Schade. Helliwell and Schade both earned roughing penalties, and Lampa earned an unsportsmanlike conduct minor, putting the Irish on the power play. 

Both teams exchanged shots, and both goalies held strong. 

Connor McMenamin was called for a charging penalty for running into Bischel. The call was reviewed but there was not enough evidence to overturn the call, putting Irish back on the power play. 

The Irish made a last-second push for a goal, which was nearly scored, were it not for a Souliere save. The power play extended into the third period, but the Lions got the kill. Less than a minute later, the Irish were back on the power play, this time on a Calder tripping penalty. 

The Irish took advantage of the power play this time, though. Ryder Rolston put the Irish on top, 2-1, with his power-play goal. 

Two minutes later, both teams exchanged penalties 30 seconds apart, but both teams got the kills. 

Three minutes after that, the Nittany Lions were back on the power play. Still, nothing came from their third power play opportunity of the night. 

It was a battle through the end, but even with the extra attacker, the Nittany Lions could not get one more goal and ended on the losing end of the decision.

Analysis

• The Nittany Lions shot the puck 53 times but were held to only one goal. 
• Bischel was the difference in this game. Every time the two teams faced off, Bischel seems to be the one to make the critical stop.
• Between the two teams combined, there were eight minutes and 48 seconds worth of penalties in the third period. The Nittany Lions were liable for four minutes and 48 seconds of that time. 
• The go-ahead goal was scored on the power play for the Irish. The Nittany Lions’ penalty kills unit has now allowed three power-play goals in its last three games. 
• When asked how the Nittany Lions should approach Bischel in their next matchup, Tyler Gratton was blunt. “Keep going. I mean eventually he’s got to make a mistake. Nobody is perfect.”
• Gratton also mentioned how the team needs to stay out of the box and take some of those penalties away from their game. 

What’s next for Penn State

The Nittany Lions will host Notre Dame again on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. for their annual “Wear White” game at Pegula.