Nov. 7, 2013
By Michael Renahan, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Every week at his Tuesday press conference Guy Gadowsky makes something clear to the media in attendance: he wants to see his team put together a solid three periods of hockey.
He wants to see his guys to dominate in the faceoff circle, on the power play and play the brand of hockey he knows his players are capable of playing.
Through the first six games of 2013, the Nittany Lions have had several bright spots. Transfer student Eric Scheid is leading the team in goals. Freshman forward David Goodwin has played exceptionally well and displayed tremendous vision. Matt Skoff is coming off a career performance in front of his home crowd.
But through all that, Gadowsky says he has yet to see a his team play well in every phase of the game for a full three periods. That's the goal for the team and their coach entering their Friday, Nov. 8 contest with Sacred Heart.
"We need to put together a complete game. We really do," Gadowsky said. "We haven't put together a game yet. We've had great goaltending. We've had successful power-plays. We've had great penalty killing. We have to put together a game with all cylinders firing. We have not done that yet and that's something I would like to see."
Penn State won't hit the road again for over a month, when they open conference play against the Wisconsin Badgers. Until then, the Nittany Lions are enjoying some time on their home ice and are focusing on improving on some of their early season struggles.
Captain Tommy Olcyzk knows his team is capable of winning a lot of games this season. It will take hard work, composure and a lot of heart to get the job done. Olcyzk understands the importance of getting everyone on the same page and working together as a team.
"It's going to take everyone pulling the same way," Olcyzk said. "We have 27 guys pulling on the same rope and we're working on getting everyone pulling in the same direction right now. No one is pulling the opposite direction, we just need to get everyone on the same page.
"The systems we have are relatively simply. Coach wants us to go out there and not think too much. He just wants us to react and play our brand of hockey."
Scheid, a redshirt sophomore, says the team is focused on the little things. They're focused on what they can control and how well they can control them.
"We're making too many little mistakes that are simple," said Scheid. "[We're focused on] getting the pucks behind the defense and getting pucks on net. We just need to take care of the puck, because turnovers have cost us a few goals. I think if we do the little things a little better, get the puck deep, get the puck on net and crash the net, we'll be a lot better."
With just a few weeks left until they open against their first Big Ten opponent of the season, it will be crucial for the players to get down the basics of their game plan and begin putting together a full three periods of hockey.
"As we move forward in the season and get into Big Ten play, we can't be losing the odd-man rush battle," said Olczyk. "We have to keep improving with face offs, on the power play and limit the penalties we are taking or we're going to have a really hard time winning games against good teams."
Olcyzk and his team, however, are ready for the challenge of improving. They had only six days of practice with their coaches prior to the start of the season, but will use an 18-day span that features just two games to work on those little things.
With nearly three weeks of games and practices on their home ice, the Nittany Lions are excited to get back in front of their fans. According to Gadowsky, Pegula Ice Arena has become the ultimate advantage and a comfort zone for his players.
"It's just so much fun playing here that you look forward to it," said Gadowsky. "Ever since that opening night, you really get excited to play here. It's fantastic to be at home and we can't wait to see the crowd again."
The puck will drop at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 against Sacred Heart, which opens a five game homestnad for the Blue and White.