Terry Shafer’s effort in net wasn’t perfect like his predecessor’s, Eric Levine, one year ago in the Three Rivers Classic; however it was almost as impressive. Shafer stopped 59 of 62 shots in a losing effort as Penn State got a late goal from Eric Schied to advance to the finals of the second annual Three Rivers Classic.
“I thought our team lost all the races; lost all the battles. I think we got out competed. We had a chance to win because our goaltending was outstanding. I give him an A+ and the rest of the team an F,” remarked RMU coach Derek Schooley.
The Colonials and Nittany Lions were scoreless in the first period despite each team having two power plays, one of which was a 5 on 3 power play for RMU.
Tyson Wilson was able to break the tie early in the second period with his first goal of the season to give Robert Morris a 1-0 lead. With the Colonials starting their third power play, Cody Wydo won the face off to the left of PSU goaltender Matthew Skoff. The puck went directly to Wilson whose howitzer of a shot beat Skoff on the glove side.
Penn State received a 5 on 3 of their around the 13 minute mark of the second period. Goaltender Terry Shafer was sharp during the two man disadvantage, but Nate Jensen’s wrist shot found its way through traffic to knot the score at one.
Shafer kept the score tied on an excellent save during a timing play by Penn State. A centering pass went to the front of the net and Shafer scrambled to his left to deny the one-touch shot by Eric Scheid.
RMU retook the lead on David Freeman’s third goal of the season. Brandon Denham’s slapshot was blocked in front, Greg Gibson turned with the puck and attempted a shot but the puck slid off his stick. Fortunately, it went right to Freeman who was positioned to the left of the net and no one around him. Freeman’s easy tap in gave the Colonials a 2-1 lead with just 1:21 remaining in the second period.
Tommy Olczyk scored at the 9:14 mark of the third period to tie the score at two. The PSU captain and son of former Penguins Eddie Olczyk controlled the puck along the goal line and snapped a shot that beat the goaltender Shafer on the stick side.
Penn State then took the lead with 1:39 remaining in the third period. Taylor Holmstrom’s shot was blocked by the defenseman but the puck skipped right to Eric Schied who blasted it past the outstretched glove of Terry Shafer.
“I couldn’t have asked for more of a gift-wrapped goal. I think we deserved that bounced,” chuckled Schied on his game winner with under two minutes remaining in the game.
Boston College cruises in opener against Bowling Green
In the first game of the classic, Boston College dominated the Falcons from Bowling Green leading to a 5-0 victory. The Eagles got out to a 3-0 lead in the first 6:45 of the first period.
Johnny Gaudreau scored his 14th of the season just 1:19 into the opening frame. Gaudreau then picked up secondary assists on BC’s next two goals. Pittsburgh native Travis Jeke added his third 3:33 into the first period, then Teddy Doherty scored his second to give the Eagles a commanding 3-0 lead.
Scott Savage added a goal mid way through the second period, and Michael Matheson scored with 17 seconds remaining in the game to give Boston College their fifth goal of the game.
Eagles goaltender Brian Billett didn’t see too much action but made 27 saves, including 13 in the second period, to post the first shutout for Boston College this season.
Photo courtesy of Penguins.com
