Penn State men’s hockey looking for redemption on visit to Notre Dame

It’s not officially a redemption tour, but Alex Limoges believes he has something to prove when the Penn State men’s hockey team visits Notre Dame for a two-game series this weekend.

He remembers the team’s last visit to South Bend, Indiana, well. Penn State dropped a 3-2 decision as Notre Dame earned the conference championship in March.

Including that championship game loss, Penn State has a 1-5 record at Notre Dame during its past six games.

“Everybody hates losing,” Limoges said. “Losing the championship just hurt more.”

Limoges, a junior forward who led the nation in scoring last season, responds well to challenges or when he wants to prove something.

Specifically, coach Guy Gadowsky challenged Evan Barratt, Liam Folkes and Limoges when the line struggled early this season. The group was one of the team’s most productive last season and even though the Nittany Lions were winning early this season Gadowsky wanted more productivity.

“He initiated the conversation,” Limoges said. “He was pretty clear about his expectations.”

Limoges stressed a team-first approach while making it clear he wanted a bit more individual productivity. He said his line’s struggles were obvious “about five games into the season.”

Limoges scored Penn State’s first goal of the season, with the primary assist form Barratt. During the first five games, the line combined for two goals and four assists — a bit below its usual standard.

Gadowsky said it was a matter of the group “getting back to their roots.” Things have changed in recent weeks. “Sometimes it takes a little bit of not having success for things to click,” he said.

In the last five games, Barrett, Folkes and Limoges have combined for nine goals and 12 assists.

As usual, Penn State leads the nation in scoring (4.29 goals per game), but it has scored four or more goals just once in its past five games. It has a 2-3 record in those games, including an important 3-1 victory at Michigan that snapped a winless streak there.

So Gadowsky and Co. are happy with another chance to play on the road in a traditionally tough venue. While Notre Dame has struggled a bit, Gadowsky appreciates their approach and talent.

“They’re well coached and play tough defense,” he said. “We’re preparing for the Notre Dame we know all too well.”

Along with the team’s offensive firepower, Penn State has Peyton Jones in goal, with his 2.39 goals-against average. Plus, difference-making defenseman Nikita Pavlychev should be healthier for this series after returning last weekend.

Opponents always seem to be aware of the 6-foot-7 Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick who is especially valuable on the power play.

“There’s not a player on the other team that when they come over the boards doesn’t take a peek to see where Nikita is,” Gadowsky said.

No. 7 Penn State (12-5, 7-3 Big Ten) at No. 15 Notre Dame (8-6-2, 4-2-2)

Game: 7 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday

Radio/TV: Game coverage on 103.1 FM, and GoPSUsports.com

Notable: Notre Dame leads the series, 8-4-2, including a 5-2-1 record at home. … Penn State has the nation’s second-best power-play unit, converting 31.3% of its chances. Minnesota State (32.3%) leads the nation. … Senior forward Mike O’Leary leads the Irish with 15 points (six goals and nine assists).