PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Senior
Connor Tait (Boyds, Md.) scored and Plymouth State University controlled play in the third period, but #9 Trinity College squeaked past the Panthers, 2-1, in non-conference men's ice hockey action at Hanaway Rink on Tuesday afternoon.
The Bantams scored the lone goal of the first period and Trinity extended the lead to 2-0 midway through the second period. Tait converted on a power play three minutes later and the score remained 2-1 heading into the third period.
Plymouth State controlled the third period, outshooting the Bantams by an 11-3 margin, but PSU was unable to net the equalizer.
Prior to the game, Plymouth State recognized junior
Will Redick (Collingwood, Ontario), who became the 17th player to record his 100th career point with the Panthers in a win over Salem State on Saturday.
PSU slips to 5-3-0, while the Bantams go to 3-1-1.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 1, #9 Trinity 2
- Plymouth State (5-3-0)
- #9 Trinity (3-1-1)
How it Happened:
- The Panthers opened the game with a pair of quick penalties, but PSU's special teams successfully killed off both power play chances for Trinity.
- Junior Brandon Shantz (San Antonio, Texas) made a key kick save during another Bantams' power play midway through the period.
- PSU had a great chance just over a minute into the second period when Redick sped through the zone and around two defenders, but his wrister whistled just wide and the Trinity goaltender recovered to deny the rebound attempt.
- The Panthers built momentum through much of the second period, generating more scoring opportunities but coming up empty.
- The Bantams doubled the lead at the 12:05 mark of the period. A shot from the left side hit a skater in front of the goal and Trinity was able to knock the loose puck in.
- PSU answered right back with a power play goal just over three minutes later. The Panthers strung together several quick passes to get a low-angle shot for Tait on the left side and he ripped the puck past the goalie to make it 2-1.
- The third period featured up-and-down action, with Shantz and his counterpart making key saves to keep it a one-goal game.
- Plymouth State pulled Shantz for the final 2:32 and a Trinity penalty gave PSU a golden chance to pull even during a 6-on-4 over the last 1:39, but the Bantams' goalie was up to the challenge to preserve the win.
By the Numbers:
- Tait's goal was his fourth of the season.
- Shantz finished with 24 saves.
- Senior Cam Patton (Bible Hill, Nova Scotia) dominated the faceoff circle, winning 17-of-23 draws.
- PSU blocked 18 shots, while the Bantams blocked 13.
- Plymouth State held a 33-26 advantage in shots.
- PSU's last regular season home loss came on Dec. 10, 2021 against Wesleyan, a run of 32-straight games.
- Plymouth State is winless against the Bantams in five total meetings.
Up Next:
- The Panthers head to UMass Dartmouth a week from Thursday (Dec. 5) for a 6:15 clash with the Corsairs.
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