Junior Sam Sternschein skated hard into the Wisconsin zone, slowed at the circle and fired a rocket into the back of the Wisconsin net. That was the eventual game-winning goal in a Penn State 4-2 win over the Badgers, completing a huge sweep over a top-10 opponent.
"When I saw the puck in the net, I was really fired up knowing we took the lead," Sternschein said. "It was a big-time goal and I was really happy it went in the net."
After spending nearly the first month of the season in search of an identity, the hope was the start of Big Ten play would provide an answer to some of the Nittany Lions' pressing questions. Not only were many questions answered vs. the Badgers, but Penn State may have found a recipe for success moving forward.
Prior to the Wisconsin series, Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky pointed out the team's play could be aided with a high-caliber opponent coming to town. He hoped the Nittany Lions could "flip a switch," and following the sweep of Wisconsin, Gadowsky had high praise for his team.
"That was probably the six most impressive periods that we've had in a long time," Gadowsky said. "That's what I think the coaching staff was happy about."
The Nittany Lions had struggled to play consistent hockey through the first few weeks of the season. They had only lost one game, but Penn State was not pleased with the product it had put out on the ice.
"Even though we were winning, it didn't feel like we were winning," Sternschein said. "This weekend it felt like we played our game and if we can keep it going, we will have more results like that."
Moving forward, the key for Penn State will be to continue to play consistent hockey and avoid any major letdowns. The high of sweeping Wisconsin can quickly be taken away by a sub-par performance the following weekend.
With Michigan State coming to town this weekend, Gadowsky understands his team must keep its foot on the pedal as the head coach continues to preach about staying the course.
"With consistency, you never check that box and move on," Gadowsky said. "It is something you have to focus on every weekend."
The mood in the locker room has changed following a confidence-boosting sweep, but Gadowsky is confident Penn State's emotions won't influence how they play this upcoming weekend.
Junior defenseman Clayton Phillips got his first taste of a big-time win in Pegula, but also understands the season is a marathon and not a sprint.
"It was a great weekend for our team," Phillips said. "It's a long year and every game counts and one of the big things coach Gadowsky wants us to maintain is a pro mentality so you can't get too high and you can't get too low and you just have to take every game one by one."
Penn State was looking for a spark, especially as Big Ten play got underway. After being tabbed the favorites in the conference, the Nittany Lions came into the season with high expectations. Those expectations seem to be back as they will look to ride the momentum moving forward.
"It's huge momentum for the rest of Big Ten play the rest of the year," Sternschein said. "Coming off two big wins, we play a really good team in Michigan State this weekend and that's huge momentum for the rest of the year and this weekend."
Gadowsky knows there is still a lot of work left to be done.
"I hope we learn something, we haven't done anything yet," Gadowsky said. "Nothing has been accomplished yet. I think that we realize that all we have now is Michigan State Friday night and that is all we have."
