Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Final Score From Friday, October 5th
Ohio State 4
Colgate 3

'Gate Way To The New Season​

The 2018-19 Home Schedule began Friday night. With a friendly, low-key exhibition game, correct?

Hardly. It was an intense battle between two excellent teams, both coming off Frozen Four appearances. To set the tone, Ohio State's 2018 Frozen Four Banner was unveiled in a Pre-Game Ceremony.

Momentum swung back and forth. Colgate opened the scoring and actually held the lead twice. But the Buckeyes took over in the middle stanza, outshooting the Raiders 22-7 for the period.

Tons of players turned in great individual performances in this one. There's simply no way to give a mention to every deserving player. So I tried to identify the difference-makers. On one level, that's business as usual. But it was harder than usual.

Three Stars Of The Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun​

Ohio State Honorable Mention: Madison Bizal
OK. You're a freshman. In your first home game as a Buckeye. It's a big step up to D-1 Hockey. But as part of the third D pair, you can handle this. You're feeling good. Then, one of your teammates goes down with an injury. Suddenly you're facing Colgate's best players. And your D Partner is Jincy Freaking Dunne.

That's the night Bizal had, and she acquitted herself very well. 3 blocked shots; +3 on the night. Welcome to Ohio State, Madison!

Colgate Honorable Mention: Bailey Larson
I found a lot to like about the Labbe/Larson/Larose set of forwards. Colgate fans, do you call them the 3-L Line? It not, you probably should. There ought to be a law against playing so good! Since Bailey had a goal and an assist, I decided to let her represent the group.



#3 Star: Liz Schepers, Ohio State
With about 4 minutes to go in regulation time, Colgate almost squeezed the puck through Goalie Amanda Zeglen to tie the score. The puck sat perilously close to the goal line. Several Buckeyes reacted, but Liz Took Flight first. Arriving at the 'Gate to the OSU net, she cradled the puck, and then appeared to be the Buckeye who swept it into the corner, out of harm's way. Clearly Liz's Labor saved the Day.


#2 Star: Jessie Eldridge, Colgate
Jessie was a force all over the ice. For the game she had 8 shots on goal, the best total for both teams. Her biggest moment came when she tied the game at 3 on a spectacular individual effort. Forecheck X2, Strong Finish. She did get help from Malia Schneider on the second forecheck. Score it Eldridge, from Schneider & Eldridge.


#1 Star: Charly Dahlquist, Ohio State
Charly's work ethic is just awesome, almost beyond belief. She never lets down, and won't allow her teammates to let down. Dahlquist's 3 point night defined the game.

The first goal was a vital response to Colgate's opening tally. Charly's assist started the play. The Buckeyes took the lead for the first time on a convincing top shelf blast by Dahlquist. Then, on the game winner, she sprung teammates Sara Saekkinen & Lauren Boyle on a 2 on 1 rush. Huge props go to Boyle on the winner; Lauren created the initial turnover in the defensive zone, then exploded into the play on the counter-attack.


Up Next: The Buckeyes once again host Colgate. As others have noted, allow plenty of extra time for driving and parking on this Football Saturday. Regrettably we'll be in the worst of the Football traffic, as that game kicks off roughly an hour after our 3:07 Face-Off. Be safe, but be there.

 

[osualum86]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Pgb, thank you for making this thread the spot for your Three Stars of the Game!

Today's game was a little different. The Buckeyes came out firing and took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission on goals by Liz Schepers and Tatum Skaggs. The Buckeyes outshot Colgate 19-8 in the first period. Regrettably, Ohio State took their foot off the gas in the second period according to Coach Nadine Muzerall, and it cost them dearly. Colgate, much like the Buckeyes the night before, came out and owned the second period, scoring three goals to take a 3-2 lead into the second intermission. The Raider goals were scored by Nemo Neubauerova, Delani MacKay, and Shae Labbe. The Raiders outshot Ohio State 14-4 in that second period. The third period was a little more even with the Buckeyes outshooting Colgate in the final frame 17-15, but the damage had been done. Coralie Larose would score early in the third to put Colgate up 4-2, then Shae Labbe scored an empty netter late in the game, delighting the Raider fans who made the trip down, to make the final score 5-2. The Buckeyes won the SOG battle 40-37 with Buckeye backstop Andrea Braendli saving 32 of the 36 shots she faced. Raider goaltender Liz Auby saved 38 of the 40 shots she faced to get the win. The Bucks will need to learn from this one and move on as they start WCHA play next weekend at home against an improved Minnesota State team. Colgate will travel to Boston next weekend for a pair of games against Northeastern.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Pgb, thank you for making this thread the spot for your Three Stars of the Game!

I hadn't actually made a final decision, but I am leaning toward making this a permanent change.

For a good number of years, I've posted my Three Stars on the WCHA League Thread. But in recent seasons, the league thread has become less utilized. And as of right now, there isn't one. (for 2018-19) No, a Preseason Chatter Thread doesn't count.

In contrast, the team threads have grown in popularity. In the case of the OSU Thread, you deserve a ton of credit for that. Others like Timothy A & ZedLeppelin have also done well for their respective schools. The net result is that people have come to feel comfortable posting on each other's team threads. Most of the time it functions pretty well.

Obviously this isn't the most earth-shaking issue. I'm just saying there's been an evolutionary change, & that I'm thinking of going with the flow.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Final Score From Saturday, October 6th
Colgate 5
Ohio State 2

Roles & Result Reversed; Raiders Earn Split​

Saturday it was the Buckeyes' turn to control the first period and grab the early lead. Unfortunately it was the Raiders' turn to take over in the 2nd Period and secure the win.

I'll agree with Coach Muzz and '86 that Ohio State took the foot off the gas. But credit also goes to Colgate for making adjustments and finding a higher gear. In the first period the Buckeye forecheck was smothering. From the second period on, it was much tougher to get the forecheck established. In the first period, the Buckeyes won face-offs seemingly at will. The Raiders got much stronger in the circle from the second period forward. Buckeye odd man rushes dwindled as the game went on. Rarely were the Raiders caught up ice, out of position.

Fun series. Perhaps a split was an equitable result. Maybe we'll get a chance to play Game 3 in the post-season.

Be that as it may, I give both coaching staffs a ton of credit for scheduling these games. Of course the fans benefit from such match-ups. But I believe the teams also benefit from playing such high caliber competition in non-conference play.

Three Stars Of The Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun​

Ohio State Honorable Mention: (tie)Madison Field and Jacyn Reeves
After Colgate gained control, the Buckeyes did ramp up the pressure on the Raider defense. On this day the comeback wasn't meant to be. But Field & Reeves led the charge with 6 Shots apiece.

Colgate Honorable Mention: (tie)Delani Mackay, Malia Schneider and Jessie Eldridge
This trio of Raiders combined to score the only PP Goal of the entire weekend. Jessie fed Malia at the point; Malia sent a fine blast toward the net. Delani either got the tip, or provided a valuable screen in the slot. Or both. The puck definitely changed directions; we'll give Delani the tip. This one tied the score; it was a huge moment in the game.



#3 Star: Shae Labbe, Colgate
As with Friday's game, it was tough to pick out individual stars from the dangerous Raider offense. But as the player with both the GWG and the Empty-Netter that sealed the deal, Shae is an excellent representative. 8 shots and a +2 rating for the game bolster Labbe's case.


#2 Star: (tie) Emma Maltais, Ohio State; and Tatum Skaggs, Ohio State
The offensive highlight of the game was a dynamic 2 on 1 rush executed by Emma & Tatum. This time Emma did the heavy lifting, carrying the puck across zones and through traffic. Tatum put herself in perfect position and a received a perfect cross-slot pass. The tap-in was the icing on the cake.


#1 Star: Olivia Zafuto, Colgate
Ultimately we have to give the Raider defense credit for shutting down the Buckeye offense for the final 40 minutes. Olivia played a very strong game, as evidenced by her 4 blocked shots and a +2 rating.

Zafuto also landed on the scoresheet by assisting on the first Colgate goal. Her defensive zone clearing attempt was partially blocked. But it was good enough to spring Nemo Neubauerova on the rush that broke the ice for the Raiders.


Up Next: Another Home Series; Another Football Saturday. The Buckeyes Open The WCHA Schedule; Minnesota State Provides The Opposition.

 

[Raider Archivist]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Final Score From Saturday, October 6th
Colgate 5
Ohio State 2

Roles & Result Reversed; Raiders Earn Split​

Saturday it was the Buckeyes' turn to control the first period and grab the early lead. Unfortunately it was the Raiders' turn to take over in the 2nd Period and secure the win.

I'll agree with Coach Muzz and '86 that Ohio State took the foot off the gas. But credit also goes to Colgate for making adjustments and finding a higher gear. In the first period the Buckeye forecheck was smothering. From the second period on, it was much tougher to get the forecheck established. In the first period, the Buckeyes won face-offs seemingly at will. The Raiders got much stronger in the circle from the second period forward. Buckeye odd man rushes dwindled as the game went on. Rarely were the Raiders caught up ice, out of position.

Fun series. Perhaps a split was an equitable result. Maybe we'll get a chance to play Game 3 in the post-season.

Be that as it may, I give both coaching staffs a ton of credit for scheduling these games. Of course the fans benefit from such match-ups. But I believe the teams also benefit from playing such high caliber competition in non-conference play.

Three Stars Of The Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun​

Ohio State Honorable Mention: (tie)Madison Field and Jacyn Reeves
After Colgate gained control, the Buckeyes did ramp up the pressure on the Raider defense. On this day the comeback wasn't meant to be. But Field & Reeves led the charge with 6 Shots apiece.

Colgate Honorable Mention: (tie)Delani Mackay, Malia Schneider and Jessie Eldridge
This trio of Raiders combined to score the only PP Goal of the entire weekend. Jessie fed Malia at the point; Malia sent a fine blast toward the net. Delani either got the tip, or provided a valuable screen in the slot. Or both. The puck definitely changed directions; we'll give Delani the tip. This one tied the score; it was a huge moment in the game.



#3 Star: Shae Labbe, Colgate
As with Friday's game, it was tough to pick out individual stars from the dangerous Raider offense. But as the player with both the GWG and the Empty-Netter that sealed the deal, Shae is an excellent representative. 8 shots and a +2 rating for the game bolster Labbe's case.


#2 Star: (tie) Emma Maltais, Ohio State; and Tatum Skaggs, Ohio State
The offensive highlight of the game was a dynamic 2 on 1 rush executed by Emma & Tatum. This time Emma did the heavy lifting, carrying the puck across zones and through traffic. Tatum put herself in perfect position and a received a perfect cross-slot pass. The tap-in was the icing on the cake.


#1 Star: Olivia Zafuto, Colgate
Ultimately we have to give the Raider defense credit for shutting down the Buckeye offense for the final 40 minutes. Olivia played a very strong game, as evidenced by her 4 blocked shots and a +2 rating.

Zafuto also landed on the scoresheet by assisting on the first Colgate goal. Her defensive zone clearing attempt was partially blocked. But it was good enough to spring Nemo Neubauerova on the rush that broke the ice for the Raiders.


Up Next: Another Home Series; Another Football Saturday. The Buckeyes Open The WCHA Schedule; Minnesota State Provides The Opposition.

Thanks for the analysis, pgb-ohio. 'Gate has had a very sloppy start to the 2018-9 season. It was heartening to see the team come to life in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the second Buckeye game.

 

[ne7minder]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Final Score From Saturday, October 6th
Colgate 5
Ohio State 2

Up Next: Another Home Series; Another Football Saturday. The Buckeyes Open The WCHA Schedule; Minnesota State Provides The Opposition.

Just want to say again how much I appreciate your reports! They give great insight to games I don't get to see. I particularly love the fact that unlike so many fans you are willing to give credit to the other team when it is due. Great work, thanks.

 

[osualum86]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Thanks for the analysis, pgb-ohio. 'Gate has had a very sloppy start to the 2018-9 season. It was heartening to see the team come to life in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the second Buckeye game.

Your team definitely came to life in those final two periods! That is a great team you have there. Maybe we'll see you again in the postseason!

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Thanks for the analysis, pgb-ohio. 'Gate has had a very sloppy start to the 2018-9 season. It was heartening to see the team come to life in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the second Buckeye game.

Well, I wish the Buckeyes could have tied it up and forced a 4th Quarter.
(No worries; of course I know what you mean.)

Until we meet again!

Just want to say again how much I appreciate your reports! They give great insight to games I don't get to see. I particularly love the fact that unlike so many fans you are willing to give credit to the other team when it is due. Great work, thanks.

Much appreciated. Great to hear that people are still reading; that makes the effort worthwhile. Thanks for finding the 3 Stars in their new location, btw.

 

[Hockeybuckeye]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Great game tonight with a 4-0 win over Minnesota State!
OSU finished the 1st with a 2-0 lead and never looked back. State never pulled their goalie.
We looked dominate the entire game and we'll see what tomorrow's game brings. Sweeps are expected at home!

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Final Score From Friday, October 12th
Ohio State 4
Minnesota State 0

Depth Found​

The Mavs fought awfully hard to keep the Buckeyes' top six forwards off the scoreboard. They enjoyed a measure of success. But you can't shut down all of the Buckeyes all of the time. A pair of 4th Line Forwards and a member of the 3rd 'D' Pair picked up the slack & lit up the scoreboard. Yes, they had a little help from some strategic double shifting. Regardless, they keyed the Friday win.

Turns out you don't need a depth finder to discover the Buckeyes have fine players up & down the line-up. They answer the call on their own initiative.

Three Stars Of The Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun​

Minnesota State Honorable Mention: The Maverick Power Play Units
OK, they didn't score. But the Mankato PP applied a lot of pressure, launching 6 shots on the OSU net, over the course of three attempts. Excellent puck movement. The Maverick PP is well coached and dangerous. Opponents would be well advised not to give them too many opportunities.


Ohio State Honorable Mention: Rebecca Freiburger
One reason the MSU PP didn't convert was Frieburger's courageous penalty killing. Officially she got credit for 2 blocked shots for the game. But Rebecca had at least that many on Mankato's third period opportunity alone. That kill was a profile in courage. A strong Maverick shot momentarily felled Frieburger. But she popped up, right back into position, ready for more. JB Bittner would have been proud!


#3 Star: Lisa Bruno, Ohio State
On the third OSU marker, Lisa launched a Bruno Blast from the right point that simply wasn't going to be denied. Add in her assist on the opening goal, and you've got a 2 point, +3 night.

#2 Star: Andrea Braendli, Ohio State
Great to see the Freshman Keeper from Zurich post the shutout. Was she severely tested tonight? Can't really say that. But calm and collected, she was more than equal to the task on all 22 Minnesota State shots. Late in the 3rd Period, Andrea made a fine save on a point blank shot that preserved the shutout.

#1 Star: (tie) Samantha Bouley, Ohio State; and Olivia Soares, Ohio State
You get a copy of the OSU line chart. You see a pair of 4th line wings. No center listed. The story line's coming from somewhere else, correct? Not so fast!

Olivia was part of the forecheck that led to the Buckeye's opening tally. On the 2nd goal, I'm still puzzled as to how the Soares shot stayed out of the net. Thankfully Emma Maltais was on the scene to finish job. 2 assists for Olivia on this +2 night.

Samantha finished the scoring with a spectacular individual play. Exploding off the Buckeye bench, she gained control of the puck at the Maverick blue line. From there, Bouley weaved through the startled MSU defense and buried her shot, ending all doubt on tonight's outcome. 1 Goal, 1 Assist for Samantha on a +3 night.


Up Next: Rematch With The Mavs. Once again, allow extra time for driving and parking on this Football Saturday. That said, with Football kicking off around 12:00 Noon, getting to the Ice Rink should be relatively easy. The streets should be pretty deserted at our arrival time. But Post game traffic? Be prepared for a Hotel California experience. You can check-out anytime you like. But leaving? Might be a whole 'nuther matter.

 

[osualum86]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Pgb, was just getting on here to go through the box score, but your Three Stars pretty much tells the story of tonight's game. I am stoked at this team's depth, and it's great to see Olivia Soares and Samantha Bouley getting goals and assists! I know how hard they work in practice and it is so nice to see them rewarded! The only stat I can add to tonight's wrap up is the SOG were dominated by the Buckeyes, 46-22. As Pgb alluded to, Buckeye goaltender Andrea Braendli stopped all 22 of Minnesota State's shots. Maverick netminder Abigail Levy saved 42 of the 46 shots she faced for a .913 save percentage, not bad at all. The Bucks and Mavericks will finish up tomorrow with the game starting at 1:07 pm.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

...The only stat I can add to tonight's wrap up is the SOG were dominated by the Buckeyes, 46-22. As Pgb alluded to, Buckeye goaltender Andrea Braendli stopped all 22 of Minnesota State's shots. Maverick netminder Abigail Levy saved 42 of the 46 shots she faced for a .913 save percentage, not bad at all...

Good points. But there is a story within the story.

Many of the numerous Buckeye shots came from the perimeter. That was a direct result of a bend-but-don't break philosophy by the Maverick defense. In other words, keep the Buckeye offense to the outside and Levy will do the rest. Abigail did well. The strategy kept the game pretty close. Until the Bruno Blast.

 

[Hockeybuckeye]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

I think Mr.PGB is able to do such a great job on his women's game evaluations as he's not as prone to nosebleeds in the rafters of the old barn as he is in the Schott.

 

[D2D]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Rematch is on FloHockey.com
Buckeyes up 1-0 after one on a goal from Liz Schepers.

 

[D2D]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

OSU ran into some penalty trouble in the second which led to MN State outshooting them 18-10 and evening the score at 1-1, heading into the third.

 

[D2D]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Mavs and Buckeyes now in overtime...

 

[Hockeybuckeye]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

OT win for the Buckeyes!!

 

[D2D]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

Ohio State scores with less than a minute left in the overtime and win 2-1.

 

[Hockeybuckeye]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

I wasn't there for either last & this Saturday's games. Does anyone think we aren't having enough left in the tank after strong Friday performances?

 

[osualum86]

Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19

It took OT today, but the Buckeyes earned all six WCHA points this weekend after a 2-1 win over Minnesota State. Liz Schepers lit the lamp for the Buckeyes in the first period. Tristen Truax tied it up for the Mavericks in the second period. The game-winner was scored by Maddy Field in OT on a nifty pass from Emma Maltais. The Buckeyes outshot the Mavericks 44-34. Maverick goaltender Abigail Levy stood tall in net for Minnesota State, stopping 42 of the 44 shots she faced today. Buckeye netminder Andrea Braendli was also outstanding today, stopping 33 of the 34 shots she faced. Next weekend the Buckeyes will travel to Minneapolis for a big battle with the #3-ranked Gophers. Minnesota State will return home next weekend to face St. Cloud State.