Penn State hockey makes Big Ten history, downs Ohio State to reach tournament semis

On3 imageby:David Eckert03/06/22

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Penn State hockey became the first program to win a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal series on the road this weekend.

The fifth-seeded Nittany Lions claimed the final two games of their best-of-three series at fourth-seeded Ohio State, capping it off with a thrilling, 2-1 win on Sunday night.

Penn State advances to play Minnesota in the Big Ten semifinals. That game will take place in Minneapolis on Saturday.

Dylan Lugris made himself a Nittany Lion hero with the game-winning goal at the 13:07 mark of the third period Sunday.

Lugris found himself with time and space near the left circle, and picked a corner to beat standout Buckeye netminder Jakub Dobes.

Lugris joined the Nittany Lions midseason — a spontaneous addition to the roster by coach Guy Gadowsky and his staff. Less than four months ago, he was playing for the New Jersey Hitmen of the NCDC.

When Gadowsky phoned to offer him a spot on the roster, he missed the call because he was getting a skate in.

“I was like, oh boy, I better go call this one back,” Lugris said in January. “So I went and called back and they let me know that I could come in at Christmas, and I think I said yes before they ever finished the sentence.”

That was a move Gadowsky said he’s never made before as a Division I head coach. And it has paid immense dividends.

The other Penn State goal came courtesy of Ryan Kirwan — another freshman. Kirwan, who scored the winner Saturday night, ripped a rocket past Dobes at the 13:30 mark of the second period to open the scoring.

Tate Singleton answered for the Buckeyes about five minutes later, setting up Lugris’ dramatics.

Liam Souliere had an excellent series in net for the Nittany Lions, too. He stopped 23 of the 24 shots sent his way by the Buckeyes in Sunday’s clincher.

Penn State takes on the Gophers

It gets no easier for the Nittany Lions, who must now travel to take on the regular-season Big Ten champion Minnesota Golden Gophers.

The puck drops at 9 p.m. on Saturday for that tilt, with the winner heading to the Big Ten title game against the winner of the other semifinal game between Michigan and Notre Dame.

Penn State lost three of its four matchups with the Gophers this season — although one of those victories did come on the road.

The Nittany Lions will need to win to keep their season alive, with the hope of an at-large NCAA Tournament bid long extinguished.

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