The Big Red were unfazed by the bright lights of New York City as they came away with a 3-1 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions this weekend at Madison Square Garden. The game was played as a part of the Frozen Apple series which alternates each year with Red Hot Hockey which features the Big Red facing off against Boston University.
The Nittany Lions took advantage of Cornell’s sluggish start by jumping out to a 1-0 lead on a goal by David Goodwin at 9:11 in the first period. He was able to capitalize on a great pass from the corner by Taylor Holstrom that was threaded through the skates of two Big Red defenders. At the end of the first, the Nittany Lions, who are known for their ability to get pucks to the net, were leading in shots by a margin of 12 to 5.
However, the Big Red would gain their footing throughout the second period, and eventually leveled the score on John Knisley’s first goal of the season, a tip-in from Holden Anderson’s shot from the point. Coach Schaffer noted after the game that is “stuff we have been working on an awful lot, and we are starting to see dividends.” This is certainly a good sign for a Big Red squad that struggled offensively to start the year. From that point on, Cornell had solid control of the game. However, the second period would not end without a bit more excitement as a fight broke out as the horn sounded to end the period. John McCarron and Patrick Koudys were among the players involved in the big scrum.
In the third period, the Big Red would break the tie on a perfectly executed 3 on 2 by Joel Lowry and John McCarron. McCarron broke through the Penn State defense before sliding the puck across the crease for Lowry to knock home the game winning goal. However, it was Mitch Gillam who willed the Big Red to a victory as he recorded 16 of his 37 saves in that final period. In the crucial final minutes of play, Gillam denied a flurry of shots by the Nittany Lions who were trying to tie the game. On one occasion, Gillam blocked four rebound attempts before the play was whistled dead. Eventually, Knisley was able to seal the Big Red win on his second of the game, and the season. Cornell has now won 4 of its last 5 games, and will welcome Denver to Lynah Rink this weekend.
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