As the clock ticked down under a minute in Robert Morris’ 4-2 victory over rival Penn State in Monday night’s Three Rivers Classic semifinal, it was Shaler native Zac Lynch that turned the lights out with an empty-net goal.
With his family in the stands, scoring in Consol Energy Center is something Lynch could get accustomed to. He also scored in last year’s tournament.
“There’s some different feelings you get, being in an NHL arena with a bigger crowd,” Lynch said. “But every game, you’re out there trying to do the same thing: win the game, get a few points.”
The win did provide two points that were huge for the Colonials for many reasons, including taking a 3-2 lead in their series with the Nittany Lions.
“There was some good rivalry, right off the bat, as soon as [Penn State] came into the league,” said Lynch.
“Any time you play, you want to win,” said goaltender Terry Shafer. “Any time you get a chance to go up against a big school like Penn State, especially an in-state rival, there are some bragging rights on the line. They took it to us last year, they beat us twice, so it’s a great rivalry, and it’s easy to get up for games against Penn State”
The win over the Lions was big for the Colonials not only for bragging rights, but it was a win over a ranked opponent, something that Robert Morris hasn’t had the opportunity to do due to a down year for their Atlantic Hockey Conference.
They also get the chance to face off against another ranked opponent in the Colgate Raiders, who await Robert Morris in the tournament final this evening.
A win would not only give the Colonials their second Three Rivers Classic title in three years, it would move them one step closer to their ultimate goal – another berth in the NCAA championships. Robert Morris lost to Minnesota in the opening game of the school’s first-ever NCAA appearance last spring.
[A win] would be huge for us to show that we can compete with these ranked teams, and show that we’re not a fluke,” said Lynch.
The Colonials and Raiders will face off for the title around 7:30 p.m., following the consolation final between Penn State and Western Michigan at 4:30 p.m.
Photo credit: Justin Cohn/RMU
