Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2018-19
Final Score From Saturday, December 15th
Ohio State 2
Mercyhurst 1
(O.T.)
All I Want For Christmas Is ...
... For The Opposing Team To Call Timeout With 1:03 Left In Overtime.
I'm sure the timeout made sense from a Mercyhurst perspective. Slow down the Buckeye push; end the chaos of the previous shift. Trouble is, said chaos was produced by the conspiratorial magic of Dahlquist/Maltais/Skaggs. The fortuitous timeout gave the Buckeye forwards a precious minute of rest, and a second try at breaking the tie.
They did.
Three Stars Of The Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun
Honorable Mention: (tie)Andrea Braendli; Ohio State and Kennedy Blair; Mercyhurst
Both Goalies turned in stingy, Grinch-Like performances. Both seemed impenetrable 1 on 1. Even the occasional rebounds were steered safely away into empty, harmless space. Not much generosity going on here. Tough for individual stars to shine on offense.
But in the end, there were 3 lovely presents under the tree. It just took real team effort to get them wrapped up and delivered.
#3 Star: 1st Ohio State Goal
Deep into the 2nd Period,
Sophie Jacques sprung
Liz Schepers on a short breakaway from the blue line. Liz broke in alone and steered a nice backhand on target. Blair was more than equal to this initial attempt, kicking out her left leg to make the stop. But as the sprawling Laker Keeper tried to pull the puck under her body, the Buckeyes kept coming.
Rebecca Freiburger was the first time arrive, and apparently had the key touch.
Gabby Rosenthal got to the slot an instant later, also making a shooting motion. Only the hockey gods know for sure. The guess here is that #15 & #16 won't mind sharing the glory.
#2 Star: Mercyhurst Goal
Deep into the 3rd Period,
Stacy Morgan won a tough puck battle in her defensive end, and launched a Laker counter-attack. True, Stacy wound up on the ice. But the puck wound up with
Sam Isbell, and the rush was on.
Summer-Rae Dobson didn't get an assist on play. But she played a crucial role by driving the net, taking a Buckeye defender with her, and providing a screen on the eventual shot.
Alexa Vasko was only too happy to take advantage of the space created by Dobson. Receiving the crossing pass from Isbell, Vasko ripped a shot under the crossbar and into the Buckeye net.
#1 Star: Ohio State's Game Winning Goal
Now, about that bonus chaos time: Receiving the puck at the left point,
Tatum Skaggs wheeled the puck down the left wing, and attempted to pass the puck the across the slot. Pass blocked. But the puck caromed to a spectacularly open
Charly Dahlquist,who was stationed at point blank range. Blair had one more great save in her. But this time the rebound went back to Charly for a second try. With chaos thus restored, Dahlquist's second shot caromed off
Emma Maltais and into the Laker net. 'Twas time to celebrate.
Up Next: Rematch With The Lakers @ 1:07 PM Sunday. It's The Final Hockey Exam For Fall Semester!