The men’s hockey Bucks play their final home games of the 2014-15 season this week, welcoming No. 15 Minnesota to the Schott. The teams last met about a month ago at Mariucci Arena where the Gophers swept OSU. Both Ohio State and Minnesota are 4-2-0 in their last six outings. While Buckeye fans are cheered by that record, Gopher fans are far less enthused.
Three weeks ago, Minnesota swept No. 16 Michigan. The Gophers followed that series up with unimpressive splits against Penn State and Michigan State. They scored five unanswered to overcome a three goal deficit in their win over the Spartans. Their victory over the Nittany Lions was a slight one; a single goal separated the teams.
| min | osu | |
|---|---|---|
| 18-11-3 | Overall Record | 11-17-2 |
| 15th/15th | National Polls | N/A |
| 3.50 (6th) | Avg Goals Scored | 2.80 (25th) |
| 2.59 (34th) | Avg Goals Allowed | 3.50 (53rd) |
| 30.1 (1st) | Power Play % | 14.6 (44th) |
| 77.9 (47th) | Penalty Kill % | 73.6 (58th) |
PSU and MSU both used physicality to knock Minnesota off its game. Both teams got on the board first and kept steady pressure on the Gophers’ net throughout the game. They also took advantage of a struggling Minnesota penalty kill, which over the last three outings is just 3-of-7.
While Minnesota has been penalty kill-challenged, its power play has been lethal. The Gophers boast the nation’s top conversion rate, cashing in on nearly one-third of their opportunities. Eleven players have recorded power play tallies this season with Travis Boyd (9) and Kyle Rau (7) being the team’s primary offenders.
Whatever their recent struggles, Minnesota always has the potential to be dangerous. The Gophers are the most well-rounded team in the Big Ten. They’re one of the conference’s most experienced and most talented squads. Frankly, they ought to be running away with the B1G.
Minnesota’s malaise may play right into the hands of a hot Buckeye team. Ohio State is playing as well right now as it has at any other point this season. The number of defensive slip-ups has decreased dramatically over the last month, Christian Frey is increasingly more settled in net, and everyone is contributing offensively. This weekend could be a fine send-off for the Scarlet and Gray.
Both games of this series are early starts, with tonight’s game gets underway at 5 PM. It airs live on ESPNU in the United States and on TSN2 in Canada. Saturday’s face off is at 6 PM, with coverage on ESPNews. Both games can also be followed online via Watch ESPN or over the radio at 1460 AM.
A few more notes...
- Tanner Fritz is your reigning B1G Third Star of the Week.
- The OSU women’s season is over, but there’s still cause for celebration; freshman goalie Kassidy Sauve has been named to the WCHA’s All-Rookie Team and thirteen lady Bucks earned a place on the conference's All-Academic Team.
- The WCHA tourney continues this Saturday with semifinal match-ups between Bemidji State and Minnesota as well as North Dakota and Wisconsin.
Senior Saturday
Fans coming out to the home finale on Saturday will want to arrive early. The Scarlet Liners are hosting a pregame get-together for all fans in The Board Room at 5 PM. In addition to the tasty noshes, delicious drinks, and chance to mingle with your fellow puck heads, head coach Steve Rohlik is scheduled to stop by around 5:10 PM.
Saturday’s pregame festivities continue with a ceremony honoring Ohio State’s eight seniors. Clark Cristofoli, Al McLean, and Justin DaSilva have quietly plied their trade on the Buckeye blue line these four seasons. Chad Niddery has been a thorn in the side of opponents and a spark plug for the Bucks. Darik Angeli has also been a passionate competitor (and celebrator).
Nick Oddo has been a jack-of-all trades for the Scarlet and Gray. He has filled the role of scorer, a set-up man, a physical presence, a defensively committed forward, and many others over his collegiate career. Tanner Fritz has been an integral part of the Buckeyes’ leadership group, even before he was awarded the team captaincy this season. The quiet Albertan finishes his career as a member of the century club (100+ points).
Matt Johnson has come to work every night of his OSU career, his work ethic and penchant for crushing hits endearing him to fans. His hard work has paid off this season in a career high 12-6--18 stat line and a promotion to assistant captain. All eight men are fine representatives of Buckeye hockey. Speaking personally, it has been a pleasure to watch their careers develop.
Big Ten Outlook
Four games to go and nothing is clear in the Big Ten. Michigan and Minnesota are the front runners for the regular season title. Michigan State still has a decent chance. Penn State is a longer shot.
The Nittany Lions are also down a man. The leg injury Taylor Holstrom suffered in Columbus last week looks like a season-ending one. It’s going to be tough to replace him and his 33 points.
The regular season crown is out of reach for Ohio State. The Buckeyes can’t do much in the way of improving their playoff seeding either. They will likely face Penn State in their quarterfinal game, though the “home” bench in that match-up is still up for grabs.
| rk | big ten standings | w | l | t | sow | pts | this week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Michigan | 11 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 33 | at Penn State |
| 15 | Minnesota | 9 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 30 | at Ohio State |
| Michigan State | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 28 | vs Wisconsin | |
| Penn State | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 25 | vs Michigan | |
| Ohio State | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 18 | vs Minnesota | |
| Wisconsin | 2 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 10 | at Michigan State |
For those who need a B1G tourney format refresher: No. 3 plays No. 6 and No. 4 faces No. 5 in single elimination quarterfinals on Thursday, March 19. Winners advance to face No. 1 and No. 2 in single elimination semis on Friday, March 20. The survivors square off for the tourney title and NCAA auto bid on Saturday, March 21.
