Final Score From Saturday, January 31st
Ohio State 3
Minnesota-Duluth 1
The Sweet 16 Complete The Sweep
Crazy busy weekend. It now seems to be Monday morning. Yet I haven't said a thing about Saturday's game. Rather than wait any longer, here's a slightly abbreviated version of the
3 Stars.
On Friday I noted that the Buckeyes offered up a Baker's Dozen of Skaters. Add in the three goalies and you've got a Sweet 16, Grabbing both wins against a gritty Bulldog team was indeed a Sweet Result.
Three Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun
Honorable Mention: Ashley Messier, Minnesota-Duluth
Wasn't thrilled with the penalty Messier took near the end of the game. But you have to be impressed with Ashley's leadership on defense. Among other things, her 5 Blocked Shots dwarfed all other players.
#3 Star: Kaia Malachino, Ohio State
Kaia got some time as the trigger woman on the Buckeye PP. Her right-handed shot looked awfully good from the left wing circle. Malachino closed out the scoring with a real net-ripper to the upper right hand corner. The valuable insurance tally was the only PP goal of the day.
#2 Star: Jocelyn Amos, Ohio State
Another game; another clutch Amos goal. Amos would have had a second marker, but for a goaltender interference call -- which Jocelyn had nothing to do with. The one that counted? Just the GWG; that's all.
#1 Star: Hailey MacLeod, Ohio State
Goals were hard to come by in the rematch. In the end, the Buckeyes had enough firepower to prevail. But without Hailey, the result could easily have flipped. MacLeod's 32 Saves included many quality stops. On at least two occasions Bulldog shooters came in on the Buckeye net all alone. Hailey just said No. Glad she's on our side.
Next Stargazing: Valentine's Weekend Series Against Minnesota. Competing With The Gophers Is Always An Honor; Maybe Even A Labor Of Love. But That's Probably Where The Love Ends. This Top 3 Series Won't Be For The Faint Of Heart!
