COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Buckeyes suffered a soul crushing 7-1 loss against the number 2 ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Ohio State Ice Rink Saturday. With the drop of the puck the Buckeyes were out skated, out played, and out shot by the Gophers. The Buckeyes had no chance against Minnesota’s powerful offense. Saturday’s loss completed the weekend sweep for the Gophers.
January 26, 2019: Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sara Säkkinen (25) fights for the puck against Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Catie Skaja (3) in their game in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Brent Clark/Brent Clark Photos
The first period was a goaltenders duel. Ohio State netminder Amanda Zelgen stopped 7 shots versus 10 for Minnesota’s Sydney Scobee. The Buckeyes had several chances to score during a power play, but the first period ended in a stalemate.
Minnesota pushed the throttle in the second period turning the Buckeye net into a shooting gallery taking 17 shots on net, and scoring six goals. The floodgates were opened for the Gophers when freshman defenseman Crystalyn Hengler scored on a power play goal assisted by Taylor Williamson and Kelly Pannek at 1:41. Minnesota’s second goal came at 6:34 by Taylor Hiese assisted by Sarah Potomak. Hiese scored again at 7:11 assisted by Potomak and Sophie Skarzynski. Minnesota scored three more times. Other Gopher goals scored by Taylor Wente, Alex Woken and Potomak. The lone Buckeye goal was a shorthanded goal scored by Emma Maltais at 7:55.
“5-on-5 I thought the first period was in our favor, and some of the second. We just have to find a way to finish our opportunities to score.” Said Buckeye head coach Nadine Muzzerall.
The final goal was scored in the third period by Minnesota’s Grace Zumwinkle at 12:07. Scobee earned her eighth win of the season with 21 saves out of 22 shots.
“Just a great effort here tonight, a big second period scoring six and just playing great and playing our game and doing everything that we want to do, in particular on the road,” head coach Brad Frost said. “An incredible sweep against a very good team.”
January 26, 2019: Minnesota Golden Gophers defenseman Crystalyn Hengler (13) takes a shot on net against Ohio State in their game in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Brent Clark/Brent Clark Photos
January 26, 2019: Ohio State Buckeyes goaltender Amanda Zeglen (31) makes the save against Minnesota in their game in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Brent Clark/Brent Clark Photos
January 26, 2019: Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Amy Potomak (16) handles the puck against Ohio State in their game in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Brent Clark/Brent Clark Photos
January 26, 2019: Minnesota Golden Gophers goaltender Sydney Scobee (37) makes the save against Ohio State in their game in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Brent Clark/Brent Clark Photos
January 26, 2019: Ohio State Buckeyes forward Emma Maltais (17) carries the puck against Minnesota in their game in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Brent Clark/Brent Clark Photos
January 26, 2019: Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Nadine Muzzerall makes her case to the referees in their game against Minnesota in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Brent Clark/Brent Clark Photos
January 26, 2019: Minnesota Golden Gophers goaltender Sydney Scobee (37) makes the save against Ohio State in their game in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Brent Clark/Brent Clark Photos
January 26, 2019: Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Alex Woken (20) fights for the puck against Ohio State Buckeyes forward Samantha Bouley (14) in their game in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Brent Clark/Brent Clark Photos
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