Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19
Final Score From Saturday, October 13th
Ohio State 2
Minnesota State 1
(O.T.)
Playing with 11 Forwards on Friday, setting OSU's line combinations got a little fancy. But when second line Center Gabby Rosenthal went down with an injury early in Saturday's tilt, the difficulty went up to a whole new level.
After the injury, and aided by a string of five Power Plays, the Mankato took control of the game for a long stretch. They managed to tie the score at 1. Perhaps the Buckeyes were fortunate that this was extent of the Maverick scoring. A key turning point came when the Buckeyes successfully killed off a 5 on 3 Maverick advantage.
Once the Buckeyes regained control of the game, they outshot the Visitors by a substantial margin. But the Mav defense proved to be very stingy. Which Buckeye would break the tie?
When handicapping a horse race, sometimes there's an obvious favorite. Other times there's a handful of strong contenders who are likely to win, place or show. But for some races, all you can do is Play The Field. Like today.
Honorable Mention: (tie) Liz Schepers, Ohio State and Emma Maltais, Ohio State
No margin for error in this one. The calm finish Liz gave us on the first goal, and Emma's brilliant cross-slot pass on the game winner were both vitally important.
#3 Star: (tie)Andrea Braendli, Ohio State and Abigail Levy, Minnesota State
Recognizing both defenses is a must; I'll let the two goalies take the bow. Like football quarterbacks, goalies sometimes get too much credit for success and too much blame when defenses fall short. Defense is, of course, a team effort. But in this case both goalies parlayed steady play into robust save totals and strong save percentages. Both stars were well earned.
#2 Star: (tie)Tristen Truax, Minnesota State; Jordan McLaughlin, Minnesota State and Corbin Boyd, Minnesota State
Impressive game for Mankato's top line. Tristen scored the Mavs' goal; Jordan had one of the assists. Even more importantly, they shut down Ohio State's top scoring threats throughout the contest. Big, strong, hardworking and smart, they play the whole 200 feet. Despite losing 2-1, the entire line was +1 for the game. Translating that doesn't require a math major.
#1 Star: Madison Field, Ohio State
Today playing the Field was the best possible bet. On the first goal, Madison created the scoring chance with a strong drive to the slot. Couldn't tell if the puck advanced to Schepers on a direct pass or a rebound. Regardless, Liz was quite happy to convert the feed.
First the Field Feed, then the Field Finish. Break-out pass by Charly Dahlquist. Long carry & cross-slot pass by Maltais, as referenced above. Then Madison completed the play -- and the game -- with an authoritative finish into the back of the Minnesota State net.
Up Next: Road Trip To Minneapolis To Take On The Gophers.
Final Score From Saturday, October 13th
Ohio State 2
Minnesota State 1
(O.T.)
Playing The Field
The Alpha was fine; the Buckeyes opened the scoring just 1:21 into the game. The Omega was very cool; the GWG came with only 53 seconds left in overtime. But all efforts in between met with considerable resistance.Playing with 11 Forwards on Friday, setting OSU's line combinations got a little fancy. But when second line Center Gabby Rosenthal went down with an injury early in Saturday's tilt, the difficulty went up to a whole new level.
After the injury, and aided by a string of five Power Plays, the Mankato took control of the game for a long stretch. They managed to tie the score at 1. Perhaps the Buckeyes were fortunate that this was extent of the Maverick scoring. A key turning point came when the Buckeyes successfully killed off a 5 on 3 Maverick advantage.
Once the Buckeyes regained control of the game, they outshot the Visitors by a substantial margin. But the Mav defense proved to be very stingy. Which Buckeye would break the tie?
When handicapping a horse race, sometimes there's an obvious favorite. Other times there's a handful of strong contenders who are likely to win, place or show. But for some races, all you can do is Play The Field. Like today.
Three Stars Of The Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun
Honorable Mention: (tie) Liz Schepers, Ohio State and Emma Maltais, Ohio State
No margin for error in this one. The calm finish Liz gave us on the first goal, and Emma's brilliant cross-slot pass on the game winner were both vitally important.
#3 Star: (tie)Andrea Braendli, Ohio State and Abigail Levy, Minnesota State
Recognizing both defenses is a must; I'll let the two goalies take the bow. Like football quarterbacks, goalies sometimes get too much credit for success and too much blame when defenses fall short. Defense is, of course, a team effort. But in this case both goalies parlayed steady play into robust save totals and strong save percentages. Both stars were well earned.
#2 Star: (tie)Tristen Truax, Minnesota State; Jordan McLaughlin, Minnesota State and Corbin Boyd, Minnesota State
Impressive game for Mankato's top line. Tristen scored the Mavs' goal; Jordan had one of the assists. Even more importantly, they shut down Ohio State's top scoring threats throughout the contest. Big, strong, hardworking and smart, they play the whole 200 feet. Despite losing 2-1, the entire line was +1 for the game. Translating that doesn't require a math major.
#1 Star: Madison Field, Ohio State
Today playing the Field was the best possible bet. On the first goal, Madison created the scoring chance with a strong drive to the slot. Couldn't tell if the puck advanced to Schepers on a direct pass or a rebound. Regardless, Liz was quite happy to convert the feed.
First the Field Feed, then the Field Finish. Break-out pass by Charly Dahlquist. Long carry & cross-slot pass by Maltais, as referenced above. Then Madison completed the play -- and the game -- with an authoritative finish into the back of the Minnesota State net.
Up Next: Road Trip To Minneapolis To Take On The Gophers.
