Final Score From Saturday, February 19th
Ohio State 2
Wisconsin 1
Olympic Effort; Right On Campus
The 2022 Olympics are about to close. The Olympics aren't a perfect event, to be sure. Nevertheless, the skill, talent and determination on display ranges from excellent to astonishing.
But you know what? You don't have to go half way around the world to see those things. And you don't need to wait four years for the next battle of the titans. Sometimes you can just go back to the Ice Rink the next day.
Saturday's Buckeye/Badger game was a draining nail-biter. Afterwards it felt like you had climbed Mt. Olympus. And I'm speaking for those of us who only watched the game.
The compete level was excellent. Big picture, there wasn't necessarily that much on the line. Yes, the sweep put Ohio State in excellent position to host an NCAA Playoff game, something the Women's Hockey program has never done. Important thing. But mostly this was a case of two proud, excellent teams testing each other & pushing the limits.
It's likely these teams will meet again, and perhaps twice more. Expect the compete level to go from excellent to astonishing. But my current task is to tell you about Saturday's game.
Three Stars Of The Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun
Wisconsin Honorable Mention: Grace Bowlby
The Badger Defense may have bent some during the 2nd Period, but they certainly didn't break. The Buckeye Offense put 45 Shots on Goal, and created many more excellent chances where the puck didn't make it to the net. The Badgers kept Buckeye shooters under constant pressure. The Top 6 Buckeye Forwards were essentially kept off the Scoresheet.
Part of me wants to honor more Badgers here, but I'll let Captain Bowlby represent her 'D' corps. It's noteworthy that Grace also started the Badger scoring play, sending a crisp up ice pass to
Makenna Webster. Makenna dangled for a bit, then found a wide open
Daryl Watts. When you give Daryl plenty of time to shoot, we all know Watts going to happen.
Ohio State Honorable Mention: The 10 Buckeye Seniors/Grad Students
Saturday's game was worthy of Senior Day; and maybe overshadowed it a little bit. I hope to have more to say about this large, special class sometime soon.
For now, I'll just mention that the Senior Day Ceremony gave us a notable Olympic moment. Team Switzerland Goalie
Andrea Braendli made it all the way back from China in time for the festivities. Now I'm just going by facial expression & body language. But Andrea seemed genuinely thrilled to be back with her Buckeye Family. Of course the feeling is mutual.
#3 Star: Clair DeGeorge, Ohio State
The top forwards may have been kept off the Scoresheet, but they were spectacular on the forecheck all night long. So many Badger break-outs disrupted. So many loose pucks won.
This another case where my first instinct is to honor many more individual players. But I'd have to type up half the roster. So I'm going to let a very DeServing DeGeorge represent the group. As for the rest of the Buckeye Forecheckers, you know who you are.
If anyone was somehow slow to catch on to the forecheck, they certainly took notice in the last 10 minutes of the game. Usually when you're clinging to a 1 goal lead, those last 10 minutes seem like an eternity. This time, they went by pretty briskly. Ohio State kept Wisconsin mostly penned up in their own end. This included managing a potentially dangerous 4x4 situation. Well done, Buckeyes.
#2 Star: Cami Kronish, Wisconsin
Didn't go through the archives to literally check, but I have to believe that it's quite rare for Wisconsin to give up 45 shots. But Cami didn't seem particularly bothered. Among other things. she made difficult kick saves look easy. Her fine performance certainly gave her team a chance to win.
BTW, you may want to check out the Wisconsin thread for a great article on the Badgers' Goalie Coach. Written by Todd Milewski; link provided by roberearle. Thanks to both of you.
#1 Star: Kenzie Hauswirth, Ohio State
When one player scores both goals for the winning team, the choice for #1 is usually pretty straightforward. As it is here. Kenzie opened the scoring early in the 2nd Period, supported by quick passes from linemates
Sara Saekkinan &
Lexi Templeman. 6 1/2 minutes later, Hauswirth combined with
Jenna Buglioni to double the Buckeye goal total. In both cases quick release and accurate placement got the job done.
Here's a little back story for you. Going into the weekend, Kenzie had scored just once this season. With her Friday goal and two Saturday tallies, Hauswirth quadrupled her season total. In the Olympic spirit, I'll quip that Kenzie pulled off the quad & nailed the landing.
From Unsung Hero To #1 Star. Very Cool.
Up Next: WCHA Quarter-Final Playoff Series Against St. Cloud. Be prepared to open your wallets this time. This is the post-season. For better or worse, admission isn't free for these playoffs. I expect tickets will be reasonably priced; they go on sale Monday.
