At University Park, Pa., Wisconsin's men's hockey squad endured more road woes on Saturday, dropping a 4-1 decision at Penn State.
Wisconsin had an opportunity to get out to a lead in the first period during 1 minute, 15 seconds of 5-on-3 time, but was unable to convert.
The Badgers (2-18-4 overall, 0-8-2-2 Big Ten) finished the game 0 for 5 with the man advantage, while the Nittany Lions were successful twice in five attempts.
Luke Juha and Dylan Richard gave Penn State a two-goal headstart through 23:03 of play. Juha scored in the first period on a one-timed boomer from the right point on the power play. Richard tallied early in the second after Eric Scheid forced a turnover at the UW blue line and fed his teammate with a perfect pass in front.
But the Badgers raced back, as Adam Rockwood sniped a shot top shelf as the trailer on a 3-on-2 rush. The shot beat PSU goaltender PJ Musico glove side. The goal was Rockwood’s second of the year.
Wisconsin continued to swing momentum in its favor well into the final frame, but a disallowed goal against the Badgers deflated their rally. Aidan Cavallini tipped a shot from Jason Ford past Musico and the goal was signaled good on the ice. But, after a lengthy review, the referees waved the score off, ruling Cavallini had high-sticked the puck.
Penn State (15-7-4 overall, 7-2-1-0 Big Ten) went on to score two more to seal the game. Wisconsin netminder Joel Rumpel nevertheless made a game-high 39 saves, while the Badgers recorded 28 shots on goal.
The Badgers play at Ohio State next weekend, opening the series on Friday at 5:30 p.m. CST.
