The Cyclones went into a battle against the Panthers and came out covered in dust as they got swept. Throughout a series against an undefeated team, Iowa State’s goalie and the rest of the team stayed resilient.
Cyclone penalties become a key opportunity for the Panthers to score
Throughout the series that favored Iowa State on the power play, Drury came out ready to put power-play goals on the board. During the series, the Panthers scored five power-play goals.
During game one, Iowa State acquired 10 penalties, allowing for three power-play goals in game one. Two of those goals came in the first period.
The most avoidable penalties against the Cyclones were the two too many men on the ice penalties. This small miscommunication resulted in one of many goals for the Panthers. Drury’s first power play goal was a result of a too many men on the ice penalty against forward Harrison Ranger. A second goal was scored following a holding penalty against defenseman Riley Kress.
The final power-play goal of game one came from a face mask and roughing game misconduct against forward Ethan Pagel at 18:41 in the third period.
During game two, the Panthers scored two power-play goals as the Cyclones successfully cut their infractions to five in game two.
The first goal for Drury came after a slashing penalty that carried into the third period from defenseman Gabe Myers. A second power play goal for the Panthers came from a roughing call against forward Michael Mulkerrin.
One final penalty in game two landed center Sam Eaton a game misconduct.
Throughout the series, Iowa State earned seven power-play opportunities but made nothing out of them.
Defense tightens up despite tough game two loss
Throughout the series, the Panthers’ defense held the Cyclones to two goals, one goal per game. The sole Iowa State scorers were forwards Brady Kearns and Eaton.
Kearns scored a short-handed goal in game one. This was the first short-handed goal that the Panthers had given up this season.
Eaton scored a goal in game two, which was assisted by forward Christopher Kondiles. With slim scoring chances for Iowa State, the defense for the team strengthened in game two.
As the Cyclones cut down on penalties drawn, the team also dialed in on breaking up passes and cutting the shots on goal down by 24% during game two.
Similarly, Iowa State went 1-2 on the penalty kill in game two. Despite the tough matchup, the Cyclones fought to the end in a series full of misfortune.
Player with poise: Pinney
In a series where the final scores look to criticize the goalie, Iowa State’s goalie, William Pinney, should be recognized for the commitment he presented while being lit up throughout the series.
Between both games, Pinney faced 108 shots on goal with 14 goals allowed and he had an overall 87% save percentage. During game one, Pinney faced 61 shots on goal, which is his second-highest career game in shots faced. His save percentage was 90%.
As predicted, the Panthers were prepared to make these games barn burners as the team put up 14 goals against the Cyclones.
Pinney’s save percentage for game two was 82%. He stopped 38 of 46 shots.
Regardless of the results of this tough series, Pinney plays with an inspirational amount of poise. Throughout the adversity, Pinney’s agility and commitment to his game speak volumes to his ethic for the team.
Play after play, Pinney was set for whatever was coming and reset to ensure he could do everything possible to guard his posts. It’s clear that Pinney is a dedicated member of this club, and his dedication stands out more than any final score.
Following being swept, Iowa State will return to Ames to prepare to host its second home series. The Cyclones will host the Huskies Friday and Saturday.
