ST. CLOUD, Minn. — This weekend’s home-and-home series between in-state rivals No. 14 St. Cloud State and No. 7 Minnesota did not disappoint. For the second consecutive night, the two teams played a one-goal affair and, once again, it was the Huskies whom emerged on top.
Friday’s contest in Minneapolis featured a feverous SCSU comeback that erased a 5-2, third period deficit. Huskies junior Judd Peterson scored the tying goal, his third of the game, with less than a minute remaining in the third period and an extra-attacker on the ice for the visitors. After a penalty on the Gophers in the overtime period, SCSU freshman Jake Wahlin ended the game 6-5 on a picture-perfect setup from Jack Ahcan.
“You can’t dodge the fact that you come back and beat a heck of a hockey team, in their building,” said coach Bob Motzko.
Saturday’s series finale in St. Cloud was an opportunity for Minnesota to redeem themselves and demonstrate that their memories of Friday’s collapse were short-lived. Less than three minutes into the game, Gophers sophomore Jack Ramsey buried a one-time, cross-ice pass from Darian Romanko to beat Huskies freshman goaltender Zach Driscoll. The Gophers added a second goal in the first period as senior Taylor Cammarata scored on the power play.
The Minnesota momentum lasted a mere period, however, as the Huskies explosive goal-scoring ability was on display again in the second period.
“We didn’t get down on ourselves either game,” said sophomore winger Mikey Eyssimont, a Los Angeles draft pick. “We came out tonight with the same mindset we had in the third period last night.”
Freshman Jack Poehling recorded his first collegiate goal and sophomore Jacob Benson followed on the next shift and took a drop pass from Daniel Tedesco top shelf to beat Gophers standout goaltender, Eric Schierhorn. An opportunity-filled second period concluded with the game knotted 2-2.
Driscoll, who had a rocky start to his career the previous weekend at Minnesota State, put together the finest performance of his young career, stopping 29 of 31 shots. “Getting that first weekend out of the way, I have a short memory,” said Driscoll. “Coming in last night helped my confidence.”
Driscoll’s defense core came up big with interruptions and pressure on several occasions, including a lunging, third-period breakup of a one-on-one opportunity for Cammarata by defenseman Jon Lizotte.
“Our defensemen were outstanding tonight,” said Motzko. “Zach got stronger as the game went on.”
Driscoll’s teammates displayed confidence in his ability.
“We know he’s going to be a good goalie for us. He made saves tonight and that motivates the rest of us,” said Eyssimont.
The third-period was owned once again by SCSU. Following a brief period of 4-on-4, the Huskies began a short power play. After establishing zone possession, Eyssimont sniped from the left circle to put the Huskies in front 3-2. Following a Peterson penalty in the final two minutes, the Gophers pulled Schierhorn for a two-man advantage.
Despite a flurry of chances, Driscoll and company flashed pads and some well placed deflections to hold off Minnesota and complete the sweep.
“That was a crazy last couple minutes,” said Driscoll. “Our defense did an incredible job and all of our guys bought in.”
Big Ten results
No. 6 Denver 3, Michigan State 1
No. 6 Denver completed a road sweep of Michigan State with a 3-1 victory on Saturday in East Lansing, Mich. Sophomore forward Troy Terry scored two goals and junior Tanner Jaillet stopped 19 of 20 shots for the Pioneers.
Penn State 3, No. 3 Notre Dame 2
Penn State pulled an overtime upset of No. 3 Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. Sophomore forward Andrew Sturtz scored the game-winner for the Nittany Lions in overtime. James Robinson and Nathan Sucese added goals for Penn State.
Michigan Tech 3, No. 11 Michigan 3
Michigan Tech skated to a 3-3 tie with Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan freshman Will Lockwood had a goal and assist, while Wolverine goaltender Jack LaFontaine made 42 saves. Michigan Tech outshot Michigan 45-18.
No. 19 Ohio State 6, Bowling Green 1
Ohio State completed a sweep with a 6-1 win over Bowling Green in Columbus, Ohio. Senior winger Nick Schilkey had two goals and an assist, while Matt Tomkins stopped 28 shots for the Buckeyes.
