Rivals collide one final time
Submitted By Ryan Boyd on Friday, January 27, 2012
After four National Championship tussles and countless other memories on the ice, the Ohio Bobcats and Penn State Icers will renew a 21-year rivalry one final time from Bird Arena.
The matchup features two of the premier clubs in the nation so far this season. Penn State (19-3-1) is the top-ranked program in the ACHA, while the Bobcats (21-9-1) sit only a few spots back in fifth.
However, the teams seem to be headed in different directions as of late.
The Icers have won five straight and are coming off an impressive sweep of West Virginia. Penn State outscored the Mountaineers 14-1 in the two-game series, which highlighted their unbelievable balance on each end of the rink.
On defense, it begins with freshman netminder Paul Musico. He has posted an impressive 9-1-1 record in 12 appearances, and leads all ACHA goalies (who have played at least 10 games) with a 1.44 goals against average. Furthermore, Musico has given up just 17 goals in well over 600 minutes between the pipes.
But, Musico isn’t the only viable option for the Icers. Backup Mathew Madrazo has lost only two contests in 10 games played, and allows a similarly daunting 2.11 goals per game. He completes a duo that has surrendered only 42 goals in 23 contests.
Conversely, on the offensive end, Penn State can be just as dynamic. The Icers average nearly six goals per contest and have 16 players that have recorded at least 10 points this year. Leading this dangerous attack is the combination of Justin Kirchhevel and Tommy Olczyk. The two have combined for 32 goals, 48 assists and 80 points in just 20 games each.
Ohio, on the other hand, continued a perplexing campaign with consecutive losses at Lindenwood last weekend. League supremacy was on the line, but the Bobcats were swamped in both matchups well before the final period -- falling by a total score of 9-4.
The pair of defeats once again underlined the ‘Cats ongoing struggle with slow starts. Ohio failed to score in the first period Friday night for the third time in six games since the winter intermission. In that period, the Lions jumped out to an insurmountable three-goal advantage.
But, it’s a new weekend and the Bobcats are confident that they have the pieces to upset the nation’s top squad in the safe confines of Bird Arena – where they have not lost all season.
A goal that is easier said then done, admittedly. Penn State swept Ohio back in late October by finals of 7-1 and 5-3. The Icers bombarded the Bobcats net with 94 shots while the Bobcats’ typically strong offensive attack was contained.
A change of pace begins with Ohio’s top line. Michael Schultz, Tyler Pilmore and Nick Rostek have combined for 123 points and are one of the most dominant groups in the ACHA. However, they have been somewhat quiet in the ‘Cats recent offensive struggles. In fact, the trio captured only one point – a Schultz goal – in the two games with Lindenwood.
Also, the return of goalie Fedor Dushkin should be essential for the Bobcats. Dushkin has 10 wins on the season and has recorded nearly 500 saves in 21 appearances. He struggled min the teams first two meetings – surrendering 11 goals – but says that he is fully prepared for this time around.
Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday between the two storied foes. For those not in attendance, the game is broadcast live on FastHockey.com. Plus, give a follow to @BobcatsHockey on Twitter for all in-game updates.
