Huge series this weekend in Madison. Some are already predicting a Wisconsin sweep. I don't see it that way but we will see what happens on the ice this weekend. As long as we go up there and get three points, I will be fine with that. That should keep us in second place. Then we have St. Cloud State coming to our place next weekend. I like the way the schedule shapes up for us in the second half of the season. Should be interesting. As long as our coaching staff and kids continue to work hard, there's no reason our program cannot achieve the goals they have set for themselves. What are everyone else's thoughts?
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Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
- Thread starter osualum86
- Start date
brookyone
Deport Right Wing Nuts
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
A split would be a good result. No doubt a very real possibility. A great team effort and strong goaltending can get it done. Remember 2/18/12 against a very strong UW team. Two very different teams in a now / then sense but Buckeyes have proven they can and have dealt nicely with those circumstances IMO.
A split would be a good result. No doubt a very real possibility. A great team effort and strong goaltending can get it done. Remember 2/18/12 against a very strong UW team. Two very different teams in a now / then sense but Buckeyes have proven they can and have dealt nicely with those circumstances IMO.
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
That is basically what I have been thinking about this series. It's difficult to compare seasons sometimes, but I actually think we are a better team this season despite the graduation of some notable star players, and I also agree that Wisconsin was a better team last season. We went up there and got thumped in the opener, but then came back to win Saturday's game to get a split. I believe we can at least get a split this weekend to stay in second place.
That is basically what I have been thinking about this series. It's difficult to compare seasons sometimes, but I actually think we are a better team this season despite the graduation of some notable star players, and I also agree that Wisconsin was a better team last season. We went up there and got thumped in the opener, but then came back to win Saturday's game to get a split. I believe we can at least get a split this weekend to stay in second place.
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
Not to disagree with anything that's been said so far, but I would emphasize that this year's UW/OSU games are a battle of equals. Granted, I'm basing this primarily on two games played in Columbus last Fall. Others that have seen different games can and do feel differently. But what I saw was:
1. A smart Badger team that found a way to grab the Friday win with shorthanded goals; and
2. A determined, talented Buckeye team that held home ice fairly comfortably in the Saturday rematch.
Neither game looked a like a mismatch, with one team trying to pull an upset against long odds.
Going on the road is always a challenge, and the fact we're playing the Badgers adds to the challenge, as always. But this year's Buckeyes do not face the additional burden of trying to pull a major upset. These games will be decided by execution and desire, not by a talent disparity. And that's as it should be.
Not to disagree with anything that's been said so far, but I would emphasize that this year's UW/OSU games are a battle of equals. Granted, I'm basing this primarily on two games played in Columbus last Fall. Others that have seen different games can and do feel differently. But what I saw was:
1. A smart Badger team that found a way to grab the Friday win with shorthanded goals; and
2. A determined, talented Buckeye team that held home ice fairly comfortably in the Saturday rematch.
Neither game looked a like a mismatch, with one team trying to pull an upset against long odds.
Going on the road is always a challenge, and the fact we're playing the Badgers adds to the challenge, as always. But this year's Buckeyes do not face the additional burden of trying to pull a major upset. These games will be decided by execution and desire, not by a talent disparity. And that's as it should be.
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
I think you touched on something there in regard to rival posters picking Wisconsin to sweep ... they don't see us as equals with Wisconsin, despite the fact that we split with them at home and really should have swept (gave up three shorthanded goals in Friday loss). I read this yesterday, then read it again today and it just dawned on me that regardless of how improved we are or whether we are setting in second place or not, some still don't see us as equals with Wisconsin.
I love your last paragraph regarding there not being a talent disparity. If Coach Handrahan continues to bring great players in as he has done so far in two short years, that talent disparity will disappear altogether, regardless of who we're playing. I am really looking forward to seeing what our coaching staff does when they get another recruiting class or two in here. I am excited about what they are doing with the group we have now! Wish I could get up to Madison this weekend, but Mrs 86 and I are heading up to Canada to see some former Buckeyes play in the CWHL! We will see Tessa Bonhomme, Amber Bowman, Laura McIntosh, Natalie Spooner, and Erika Vanderveer! So proud of all of them!
I think you touched on something there in regard to rival posters picking Wisconsin to sweep ... they don't see us as equals with Wisconsin, despite the fact that we split with them at home and really should have swept (gave up three shorthanded goals in Friday loss). I read this yesterday, then read it again today and it just dawned on me that regardless of how improved we are or whether we are setting in second place or not, some still don't see us as equals with Wisconsin.
I love your last paragraph regarding there not being a talent disparity. If Coach Handrahan continues to bring great players in as he has done so far in two short years, that talent disparity will disappear altogether, regardless of who we're playing. I am really looking forward to seeing what our coaching staff does when they get another recruiting class or two in here. I am excited about what they are doing with the group we have now! Wish I could get up to Madison this weekend, but Mrs 86 and I are heading up to Canada to see some former Buckeyes play in the CWHL! We will see Tessa Bonhomme, Amber Bowman, Laura McIntosh, Natalie Spooner, and Erika Vanderveer! So proud of all of them!
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
One small, partial disclaimer: I'm not saying we're equal or better at every position in the line-up; only that squad vs. squad there appears to be a rough parity.
Correct. Although in fairness to the skeptical, most of them have seen the current Buckeyes play twice, if they've seen them play at all. I've made it to every home game this year, and I know you rarely miss. Preseason or even after the first weekend, I wouldn't have been bold enough to predict 2nd Place at this point. We simply have more information on the Buckeyes than those who haven't been won over. Conversely, Wisconsin's long term track record is impeccable. We have a long way to go to match them in that regard! But if our second half performance matches our first half performance or at least comes close, the kudos for the 2012-13 team will come.
Well, thank you.
One small, partial disclaimer: I'm not saying we're equal or better at every position in the line-up; only that squad vs. squad there appears to be a rough parity.
Awesome! Hard to argue with the choice.
Strongly agree.
Timothy A
Let's go RED!
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
UW does have 2 studettes who are injured who would clearly push the talent arrow back in UW's favor, but as it sets now, it's hard to deny that the teams aren't on pretty level terms. Statistically, OSU scores .3 gpm more than UW, but UW allows .7 goals less per game. OSU's pp is 6% better and UW's pk is 1% better. It's reasonable to think UW's better D and home ice will result in a sweep, it's also reasonable to think OSU is good enough to earn a split, which they are.
I look forward to seeing OSU on Friday night. Usually we chant "gopher rejects" when other teams from rodentsota are playing UW, I wonder if a chant of "Michigan Rejects" would hit home?
UW does have 2 studettes who are injured who would clearly push the talent arrow back in UW's favor, but as it sets now, it's hard to deny that the teams aren't on pretty level terms. Statistically, OSU scores .3 gpm more than UW, but UW allows .7 goals less per game. OSU's pp is 6% better and UW's pk is 1% better. It's reasonable to think UW's better D and home ice will result in a sweep, it's also reasonable to think OSU is good enough to earn a split, which they are.
I look forward to seeing OSU on Friday night. Usually we chant "gopher rejects" when other teams from rodentsota are playing UW, I wonder if a chant of "Michigan Rejects" would hit home?
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
It might if Michigan actually had a women's hockey team. And even then they would need to have a winning tradition.
It might if Michigan actually had a women's hockey team. And even then they would need to have a winning tradition.
Nowheresville
Registered User
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
There's no denying that Ohio State is an improved team, but I think the Badgers would have to be disappointed with a split. It seems like UW has been getting steadily better as the season has gone on, and they looked pretty sharp against ND to close out the first half. They also haven't lost at LaBahn since opening night. I'm going to say the Badgers get a win Friday, and we see a shootout Saturday.
Speaking of Saturday, I wonder how tiny the crowd will be. I can't see many casual fans skipping a Packers playoff game for women's hockey. Its a shame they don't push back the game to 5pm, but somehow, I bet they figure 4 hours isn't enough time between hockey and the 1pm basketball game next door.
There's no denying that Ohio State is an improved team, but I think the Badgers would have to be disappointed with a split. It seems like UW has been getting steadily better as the season has gone on, and they looked pretty sharp against ND to close out the first half. They also haven't lost at LaBahn since opening night. I'm going to say the Badgers get a win Friday, and we see a shootout Saturday.
Speaking of Saturday, I wonder how tiny the crowd will be. I can't see many casual fans skipping a Packers playoff game for women's hockey. Its a shame they don't push back the game to 5pm, but somehow, I bet they figure 4 hours isn't enough time between hockey and the 1pm basketball game next door.
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
Conversely, we do have Michigan natives on our D-1 roster, and we're certainly better for it. That being the case, one could arguably drive up to Ann Arbor and chant "Buckeye Rejects" at a Women's Club Hockey game. But hey, I'm a better person than that. A desire for self-preservation also factors in.
D2D is correct, with one nuance: Michigan does have Women's Hockey at the Club level. Nevertheless, the odds of a Club Team Cut receiving a D-1 scholarship offer elsewhere are virtually nil.
Conversely, we do have Michigan natives on our D-1 roster, and we're certainly better for it. That being the case, one could arguably drive up to Ann Arbor and chant "Buckeye Rejects" at a Women's Club Hockey game. But hey, I'm a better person than that. A desire for self-preservation also factors in.
Badger Booster
Registered User
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
I think most Badger fans (including myself) realize that this will be a tough series. The fact is that Ohio State is ahead of them in the standings (with two games in hand) and they split in Columbus earlier this season. I think the Badgers will sweep, but nothing would shock me.
The women's team always seems to get hosed on scheduling. I wasn't surprised at all when I saw that the Packer game will be on Saturday night. It will be hard-core hockey fans, fans who don't follow football and fans who may follow the NFL, but don't care about the Niners and Packers. I will be pleasantly surprised if they crack 1,000.
I think most Badger fans (including myself) realize that this will be a tough series. The fact is that Ohio State is ahead of them in the standings (with two games in hand) and they split in Columbus earlier this season. I think the Badgers will sweep, but nothing would shock me.
The women's team always seems to get hosed on scheduling. I wasn't surprised at all when I saw that the Packer game will be on Saturday night. It will be hard-core hockey fans, fans who don't follow football and fans who may follow the NFL, but don't care about the Niners and Packers. I will be pleasantly surprised if they crack 1,000.
brookyone
Deport Right Wing Nuts
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
Okay...no they didn't.
Well the Vikings tried to resolve this issue.
Okay...no they didn't.
Timothy A
Let's go RED!
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
That's a tough one. If it was just the regular season I'd DVR it, but it is the playoffs, so instead of going Saturday like I originally planned, I'm bringing the kids Friday night instead. I am very curious what attendance will be Saturday, hopefully you or I will remember to post it.
I'm glad I didn't go see the Whitecap game, there's no way I'd take pleasure in watching Vetter give up any goals at all. I see attendance was 948 for the game, that's quite impressive.
That's a tough one. If it was just the regular season I'd DVR it, but it is the playoffs, so instead of going Saturday like I originally planned, I'm bringing the kids Friday night instead. I am very curious what attendance will be Saturday, hopefully you or I will remember to post it.
I'm glad I didn't go see the Whitecap game, there's no way I'd take pleasure in watching Vetter give up any goals at all. I see attendance was 948 for the game, that's quite impressive.
Badger Booster
Registered User
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
Hopefully, there will be a decent crowd tonight. Watched some of the Badger women's basketball game last night on BTN. I find it "interesting" that the band will show up for a mid-week game for a last place team, but probably not for a Friday/Saturday night series for a 4-time national championship team.
Tomorrow night could be sparse. Maybe/Hopefully I'm over-estimating the number of people that have to watch the Packers instead.
Hopefully, there will be a decent crowd tonight. Watched some of the Badger women's basketball game last night on BTN. I find it "interesting" that the band will show up for a mid-week game for a last place team, but probably not for a Friday/Saturday night series for a 4-time national championship team.
Tomorrow night could be sparse. Maybe/Hopefully I'm over-estimating the number of people that have to watch the Packers instead.
Timothy A
Let's go RED!
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
That said, the fact that the score made you smile isn't exactly a news flash.
Anything more substantive to share?
Congrats on the Friday win.
That said, the fact that the score made you smile isn't exactly a news flash.
Anything more substantive to share?
brookyone
Deport Right Wing Nuts
Badger Booster
Registered User
Re: Ohio State @ Wisconsin 1/11 - 1/12
Pretty much the Brianna Decker and Alex Rigsby show tonight. Big crowd (2,100+) on hand for some pretty uninspiring hockey for the first couple of periods. Third period was radically more entertaining as Wisconsin played with some urgency. The Badgers continue to score on the Buckeye power play (2 more shorties tonight) and Rigsby made some big saves to bail out some defensive lapses.
Nice win to take over second place for the time being, but can't let up tomorrow night.
Pretty much the Brianna Decker and Alex Rigsby show tonight. Big crowd (2,100+) on hand for some pretty uninspiring hockey for the first couple of periods. Third period was radically more entertaining as Wisconsin played with some urgency. The Badgers continue to score on the Buckeye power play (2 more shorties tonight) and Rigsby made some big saves to bail out some defensive lapses.
Nice win to take over second place for the time being, but can't let up tomorrow night.