Re: Ohio State Buckeyes 2019-2020: Muzzling All Detractors
Final Score From Friday, October 25th
Ohio State 4
Minnesota 3
Homecoming Fun
Time flies when you're having fun. Last night's game flew by.
Alumni weekend is always cool. This year a group of Buckeye Favorites came back sporting their old letter jackets. Positioned on the glass, they were jamming with the Pep Band. Heck, they were jamming with the canned music too. And exhorting the current players on to victory. Call me sentimental, but I found it inspirational.
The players on the ice were indeed inspired, whatever the exact source of their motivation. Fast start, good compete level all night long. Many puck battles won.
Taking the early lead was big. The Buckeyes forced the Gophers to play catch-up for most of the game. Twice, the Gophers pulled even. Twice, the Buckeyes had satisfying answers.
Three Stars Of The Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun
Minnesota Honorable Mention: Emily Brown
Emily had the primary assist on two Gopher Goals. Just as importantly, my eye says she was the strongest and steadiest of the Gopher defenders. Brown finished the game at +1 in a losing effort. The +/- stat can be misleading at times, but not in this case.
Ohio State Honorable Mention: Andrea Braendli
Facing the Gopher firepower can be humbling. And yes, Andrea had a few bites of that pie. But you know what? So did the Gopher snipers. Braendli gave up two goals to Minnesota's Top Gun. But she also had 8 saves against that same Star.
Andrea clearly outplayed the Gopher keeper and was one of tonight's difference-makers. 33 Saves on 36 Shots proved to be a solid night's work; good enough to win. You might say that Braendli went down the
Highway to the Danger Zone, and survived very nicely.
#3 Star: (tie)Paetyn Levis, Ohio State and Gabby Rosenthal, Ohio State
Along with linemate
Brooke Bink, Levis & Rosenthal forechecked liked demons from start to finish. It paid off with the goal that restored the Buckeye lead at 2-1. Paetyn created the turnover along the right boards, sending the puck down low to Gabby. Gabby calmly stuffed it in.
Satisfying answer.
#2 Star: (tie) Grace Zumwinkle, Minnesota and Grace Zumwinkle, Minnesota
Grace is the aforementioned Top Gun. Twice over.
When she sets up in the left circle for one-timers on the PP, it's pretty awesome. Gopher fans of a certain age might remember that Tim Harrer of the Men's Program excelled at this. Zumwinkle is of that caliber, and likely has better reach. Anyhow, that was the set-up on Zumwinkle's PP Goal. Grace launched her rocket, and the speed & power somehow got the puck through the five hole.
Zumwinkle's 5x5 Goal was equally dynamic. Taking a head-man pass from Emily Brown, Grace carried the puck most of the length of the ice. Once in shooting position, the puck exploded off her stick and into the opposite side of the net.
#1 Star: Liz Schepers, Ohio State
Not only was Liz the #1 Star, she was the Alpha & the Omega tonight. She opened the scoring less than 2 minutes into the game. It can be tough to discern exactly what happens in a goal mouth scramble. But it looked like Liz essentially poke-checked the puck into the net. Huge adrenaline boost. Set the tone for the match.
At the other end of the game, Schepers had the finishing touch on a true team effort.
Sophie Jaques gained possession at the defensive blue line, and earned the 2nd Assist by sending
Emma Maltais on her way. Maltais gained the zone, and carried down the right wing. Now
Tatum Skaggs didn't earn an assist on the play; you've gotta touch the puck for that. But she certainly earned a mention. Tatum aggressively charged toward the net, taking the Gopher defense with her. That left plenty of room in the high slot for Liz. As we've grown so accustomed to, Emma made the perfect pass. With a calm hesitation move, Schepers had the Gopher Goalie going down. With that advantage gained, Liz smartly deposited the puck into the right side of the net. Lead restored at 4-3. That lead stood up.
Satisfying answer. Very satisfying answer.
Up Next: Rematch With Minnesota. With Luck, Daddy Will Let Us Keep The T-Bird For At Least One More Day Before Taking It Away. And According To The PA Announcer, You Can Park That T-Bird In The Lane Avenue Ramp For Free When Arriving For The Hockey Game. (Despite The Football Saturday)
Postscript: The Numerals On This Year's Black Jerseys Are Perfectly Legible. If You Had Trouble Seeing Said Numbers, Please Stop By The Highly Regarded OSU Optometry Clinic For An Examination.
