Clarkson Stuns no. 4 Penn State with third-Period Comeback, 6-4 Victory
POTSDAM, NY – the Clarkson University men’s hockey team completed a dramatic comeback, scoring three unanswered goals in the third period to defeat No.4 Penn State 6-4 on Saturday night. The Knights,trailing for much of the contest,rallied to secure a statement win against a nationally ranked opponent.
Clarkson fell behind early, but chipped away at the deficit throughout the game. Adrian Misaljevic scored at 4:30 of the second period, capitalizing on a fast pass to bring the score to 3-2.Later, at 7:23, JJ Wiebusch scored his fourth goal of the contest, capitalizing on a rebound after a Soderwall save.
Despite facing a fifth penalty kill, the Knights responded with a shorthanded goal from Erik Bargholtz at 12:35, tying the game at 4-3 after a breakaway featuring a toe drag adn backhand shot. Early in the third, Luka Sukovic’s skillful move and cross-crease feed found Owen Van Steensel, knotting the game at 1:29.Sukovic earned his second assist of the game, with Bryce Sookro also credited with a helper.
The Knights took thier first lead since the opening moments when Ryan Bottrill connected with Adrian Misaljevic on a 3-on-2 break at the midway point of the third, giving Clarkson a 5-4 advantage.With Penn State pulling their goaltender for an extra attacker in the final minute, Erik Bargholtz sealed the victory with a long-range shot into an empty net for his second goal of the night, extending the lead to 6-4.
Penn State held a 40-26 shot advantage,but Clarkson’s defense contributed 21 blocked shots. Clarkson went 0-for-6 on the power play, while Penn State scored on 2-of-6 opportunities with the man advantage. Clarkson goaltender Soderwall made 36 saves, while Penn State’s Kevin Reidler stopped 20 shots.
