Final Score From Friday, January 27th
Ohio State 6
Minnesota State 2
Tea It Up And Play Briskly
Played at a Brisk pace, this game was completed in just under two hours. There were only three total penalties; two on the Mavericks & one on the Buckeyes. The teams were probably smart to stay out the box; two of the three power plays resulted in goals.
Minnesota State certainly had its moments Friday evening. But overall the Buckeyes dictated play and posted a fairly routine victory. As this remarkable regular season enters the home stretch, we would do well to remember how often this Ohio State team is just
Taking Care Of Business. (Admittedly
Working Overtime is occasionally involved.) Of course we'll remember the epic wins, when the team truly goes into
Overdrive. But both components are necessary to build a strong resume.
Three Stars Of The Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun
Minnesota State Honorable Mention: The Maverick Power Play
Mankato was perfect on the power play, converting on its only opportunity.
Claire Butorac started the play from down low, sending the puck to
Taylor Otremba. Taylor's shot was blocked, but the puck helpfully deflected to
Madison Mashuga. No puck luck needed on Madison's fine shot.
Ohio State Honorable Mention: Brooke Bink
Does the phrase "Well Alrighty Then!" ever roll off your lips? That was my reaction to Brooke's high, sizzling blast.
It was a little hard to wrap your brain around exactly how the puck entered the net, partly due to the pace of the shot. But HockeyBuckeye's theory that the puck glanced in off the keeper's arm is likely correct. Next, thumbs up to osumalum86 for noting that it was Bink's first goal of the season. Great to see all of Brooke's hard work finally get rewarded. And let's not forget that
Sloane Matthews fed Bink to create the opportunity & earn the assist. Ultimately this tally completed the scoring, and put a nice exclamation mark on the Friday win.
#3 Star: Paetyn Levis, Ohio State
A regular on this list, Paetyn added two more goals to her healthy season total of 17. That number leads all OSU Forwards. Her first opened the scoring; it's always nice to break the ice. Her second came on an unassisted solo dash that would have made Bobby Orr proud. On a personal note, I'll admit feeling a little old when making a perfectly appropriate Bobby Orr reference, and having current students respond with puzzled looks. C'est la vie.
#2 Star: Madison Bizal, Ohio State
Madison had the primary assist on three consecutive goals. The second (Buckeyes regain the lead); the third (GWG) and the fourth. (Important Insurance Goal). Couple that with Bizal's disciplined defense, and you've got your #2 Star.
Bottom Line? When this contest was being decided, Madison was in the
Heart Of It All.
#1 Star: Jenn Gardiner, Ohio State
There's nothing de-caffeinated about Jenn Gardner's shot. Think of a stout English Breakfast Tea. Jenn had both the GWG & the Insurance Goal. In both cases Bizal provided the sterling silver service, as noted above.
On the GWG, Jenn & Madison were working the umbrella along with
Sophie Jaques. Gardiner ripped a shot for the finish. On the Insurance Goal, it was Makenna Webster who joined the tea party and earned the secondary assist.
How to celebrate? Perhaps with a serving of Earl's Scarlet & Grey Tea? Or whatever your favorite beverage is.
Up Next: Rematch With The Mavericks. Come & See Your Favorite Top Guns Perform.
