Grant_Erickson
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In an early-season conference matchup, the Gophers came out of the gate slow and ended up falling to No. 11 Penn State, 3-1. In their home opener, Minnesota looked sloppy in the first period, and couldn’t overcome the poor start.
“We’re definitely not a finished product, that’s for sure,” said a succinct Don Lucia after the game.
Slow Start
The Gophers didn’t record their first shot on net until over halfway through the opening frame (through the first 12:30, if memory serves). Despite preaching the importance of winning the first 10 minutes, the Gophers didn’t deliver.
“They’re missing what we’re talking about, I know that,” said Lucia. “Because those are the bullet points. We really emphasize the 10-minute game.”
Amazing Save
The Gophers were ramping up some pressure in the second period when Mike Szmatula had what looked like a sure goal before PSU’s Peyton Jones slid across the crease to make an all-time, highlight reel save. It would have been a huge tally for a Minnesota team struggling to create chances, but Jones shut the door on the Gophers’ rally.
“It’s frustrating, but it’s hockey,” said Szmatula. “He made a heck of an effort to come back. I probably wouldn’t have done anything different.”
The save got the attention of Penn State’s coach, Guy Gadowsky.
“I’ve seen saves like that on SportsCenter and year highlight things; I’ve never seen one live,” said Gadowsky. “That was pretty incredible.”
Costly Major
For the second time this season, Minnesota committed a major penalty. Leon Bristedt’s check from behind was costly as it put the Gophers on a 5-on-3 penalty kill where PSU eventually scored.
“I have no issue with the call,” said Lucia. “He knows better, he’s a senior...You don’t shove a guy from behind. That sums up where we’re at right now. You’re trying, but you’re not trying smart.”
By The Numbers
0 Periods in which Minnesota eclipsed 10 shots on net. The Gophers hit Jones with just 21 shots on the evening.
2 Powerplay goals for Penn State compared to zero for the Gophers.
78 Straight starts for Eric Schierhorn, tying a Gopher record for goalies.
Three Stars
3 Peyton Jones made 20 saves including one that will be on PSU highlights for years.
2 Penn State’s Andrew Sturtz scored the first goal of the game
1 Denis Smirnov had the game-winning goal and an assist.
What’s Next
With the Gopher football game taking over primetime tomorrow, the hockey team will play at 3:05 on Sunday. The game can be seen on FSN, or heard on 1130 KTLK-AM.
“We’re definitely not a finished product, that’s for sure,” said a succinct Don Lucia after the game.
Slow Start
The Gophers didn’t record their first shot on net until over halfway through the opening frame (through the first 12:30, if memory serves). Despite preaching the importance of winning the first 10 minutes, the Gophers didn’t deliver.
“They’re missing what we’re talking about, I know that,” said Lucia. “Because those are the bullet points. We really emphasize the 10-minute game.”
Amazing Save
The Gophers were ramping up some pressure in the second period when Mike Szmatula had what looked like a sure goal before PSU’s Peyton Jones slid across the crease to make an all-time, highlight reel save. It would have been a huge tally for a Minnesota team struggling to create chances, but Jones shut the door on the Gophers’ rally.
“It’s frustrating, but it’s hockey,” said Szmatula. “He made a heck of an effort to come back. I probably wouldn’t have done anything different.”
The save got the attention of Penn State’s coach, Guy Gadowsky.
“I’ve seen saves like that on SportsCenter and year highlight things; I’ve never seen one live,” said Gadowsky. “That was pretty incredible.”
Costly Major
For the second time this season, Minnesota committed a major penalty. Leon Bristedt’s check from behind was costly as it put the Gophers on a 5-on-3 penalty kill where PSU eventually scored.
“I have no issue with the call,” said Lucia. “He knows better, he’s a senior...You don’t shove a guy from behind. That sums up where we’re at right now. You’re trying, but you’re not trying smart.”
By The Numbers
0 Periods in which Minnesota eclipsed 10 shots on net. The Gophers hit Jones with just 21 shots on the evening.
2 Powerplay goals for Penn State compared to zero for the Gophers.
78 Straight starts for Eric Schierhorn, tying a Gopher record for goalies.
Three Stars
3 Peyton Jones made 20 saves including one that will be on PSU highlights for years.
2 Penn State’s Andrew Sturtz scored the first goal of the game
1 Denis Smirnov had the game-winning goal and an assist.
What’s Next
With the Gopher football game taking over primetime tomorrow, the hockey team will play at 3:05 on Sunday. The game can be seen on FSN, or heard on 1130 KTLK-AM.