Bobcats Pound Penguins

The Bobcats put on a clinic Friday night, thumping Youngstown State 10-1. Ohio was led by veterans Steve Osacky and Ryan Tessmer, who each tallied two and three goals, respectively.

In a rare occurrence, the Bobcats recorded a hat-trick for the second straight game, after defenseman Zack Barbis scored a trio of goals last Saturday night against Mercyhurst.

The win came without five key Ohio players, who had been suspended a game for their part in a brawl that erupted last series against Mercyhurst.

The suspended players included starting goaltender Paul Marshall. With Marshall not able to play, backup goalie Patrick Morse assumed the starting role. Morse played well, turning away all but one of the Penguin’s shots.

“I felt more comfortable after I stopped the first shot,” said Morse. “I got a lot of work in practice, it felt great.”

All in all, the Bobcats torched the net with ten goals on 52 shots, leaving Youngstown State’s goaltender helpless.

You can only ask so much of a goaltender,” said Ohio Coach Dan Morris. “Speed was a factor tonight, we came in with more energy off the bat.”

The game was not all good news for the Bobcats though. During the second period, Barbis was caught in the corner when his own teammate fell onto him, breaking his tibia. He is expected to be out at least four weeks.

Game two of the series did not bring quite the offensive fireworks that game one displayed, but still ended in a 4-1 Ohio victory.

Youngstown State’s goaltender played flawless through the first period, making numerous spectacular saves and leading his team to a scoreless tie at the end of one.

The Penguins continued their good play into the second. But with 11:47 remaining the second, Youngstown State defenseman Ian Hardenbrook took a five-minute major boarding penalty, followed by a two minute hooking penalty by teammate Alex Arnold. The penalties gave the Bobcats a five on three man advantage, and set up Tyler Pilmore’s fourth goal of the year with 7:14 remaining.

Ohio held on to its one goal margin well into the third when goaltender Paul Marshall made an amazing save, reaching behind him to pull the puck out from in front of the net.

The Bobcats were able to add some insurance late in the third, tallying two goals within 42 seconds.

The teams traded goals with under five minutes remaining to reach the 4-1 final.

“I think their goaltender became fatigued,” Coach Morris said. “But we’ve still got some things to improve on, we had some veterans making mistakes, which should not happen.”

Between the two games, Ohio ended the series with 14 goals, and 106 shots.