Big Home Games on Tap for Hockey Bucks

Football isn’t the only big game in town this week. Both men’s and women’s hockey play host to some highly ranked opponents with the men’s team facing No. 18 Miami and the women squaring off against No. 1 Minnesota. Here’s what you need to know before the puck drops.

Men

Ohio State started its 2015-16 campaign last week with a rusty series against current No. 10 Bowling Green. Much of the action was muddied by rather sloppy, turnover-y play. This is not unusual in early season matchups and not necessarily a sign of a fruitless season to come. 

On the positive side of things, the Buckeyes seem to have a decently solid base for special teams. Also, Saturday’s contest was highlighted by one of Matt Tomkins’ better performances in net. This week the Bucks look to take a step forward, and possibly salvage some state bragging rights, against ancient CCHA rival Miami.

This season’s RedHawks look a little different from last season’s NCAA tournament team. They don’t have many proven scorers. Gone are major contributors Austin Czarnik, Riley Barber, and Blake Coleman. Senior Sean Kuraly (19-10--29 in 2014-15) is Miami’s leading returning goal scorer. 

The RedHawks are much more experienced defensively, returning six regular blue liners. The team also boasts a pair of quality goaltenders in seniors Jay Williams and Ryan McKay. This veteran rearguard is expected to bolster the team while the young forwards settle into their roles.  

Like Ohio State, Miami enters this week’s series off a less-than-stellar season opener. The RedHawks played host to defending NCAA champ and current No. 2 Providence. They were overmatched in Friday’s game, losing 7-3, and came back to eke out a tie in Saturday’s contest.

I’d say the Bucks' chances for success this week are about 50/50. Miami may not the juggernaut we’ve seen in years past. However the Buckeyes may not yet be in a position to take advantage of that. Two closely contested losses would be acceptable. A split would be better.

Did you know?

If Saturday’s game exceeds regulation time OSU fans could get a look at the NCHC’s 3-on-3 extra point format. In the Big Ten if the teams remain tied following the usual five minute overtime period a shootout is used to determine which team collects the bonus point. This season the NCHC is debuting an additional five minute period of 3-on-3 hockey in lieu of the shootout. (The idea being that hockey is a team sport and a 3-on-3 session is more in keeping with its principles than the individual showcase of a shootout.) 

Women

The early weeks of the 2015-16 season were a mixed bag for the lady Bucks. They enjoyed good results against Lindenwood (as expected) and struggled against Wisconsin (also expected). The team is probably right where we supposed it would be at this point of the season, still acquiring chemistry and familiarity with new systems and coaching style. 

Ohio State runs right into another tough series this week as they host No. 1 Minnesota. The Gophers are once again projected to be the class of the field in women’s hockey. They have not disappointed thus far.

Minnesota enters this week’s series with a perfect 4-0-0 record. They have not yet surrendered a goal, outscoring opponents 25-0. They are also outshooting their opponents by a count of 143-38. 

Their special teams are operating at an insanely high level too. The Gopher power play is running at 60% efficiency and the penalty kill at an untouched 100%. Granted Minnesota's early season foes, Penn State and St. Cloud State, are not among college hockey’s more highly regarded squads. Still, four consecutive shutouts are nothing to sneeze at.

To topple Minnesota the Buckeyes need to sustain high quality, end-to-end hockey for the full sixty minutes. Realistically, they probably aren’t ready for that. A more attainable achievement would be denting the Gopher goalies and not getting blown out.

Stranger things have happened though. It could be that luck, magic home-opener mojo, wildly effective special teams, and/or one heck of a goaltending effort could combine to bring the Bucks an incredible upset.

Don't forget!

With football at home this week fans attending Saturday afternoon's game will want to check Ohio State's website for special parking information prior to heading to the Ice Rink.