WCHA 2017-18 Season

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

Final Score From Saturday, January 20th
Ohio State 5
Minnesota 1

Much To Celebrate As The Buckeyes Continue The Climb​

Winning a championship is like climbing a tall mountain. It isn't accomplished in a single day. Few are even invited to the base camp. And those that are must reach a series of intermediate camps before even attempting to summit. Accomplishing each of those goals along the way is cause for satisfaction and celebration. For a particularly dramatic description of the climbing enterprise, I refer you to Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air.

Armed with scholarships, motivation and talent, the Buckeyes arrived at "Base Camp" last Fall. You might say that the successful 1st Half of the season was similar to reaching Camp 2. Sweeping the Gophers and solidifying 2nd Place in the standings constitutes reaching Camp 3. To get to Camp 4, you need to win a WCHA Regular Season Title, a Final Face-Off, and/or get an NCAA bid. To reach the ultimate summit? The answer is obvious.

Now, about Camp 3. It's been a while since the Buckeyes have been this far up the mountain. It's more than appropriate to take a moment to relish the accomplishment. OK, at this altitude there aren't any roses to smell. But the air is clean, crisp and good. Draw in some long, luxurious breaths. We'll be needing that oxygen as we continue upward. The higher you go up the mountain, the thinner the air gets.

This weekend OSU had a distinct advantage in the motivation department. Saturday warm-ups provided an example. The Buckeyes were loose, yet focused. Intense, yet joyous. Hungry to play the game; ready to rock and roll. In contrast, the Gophers were a little too business-like. A bit lacking in passion.

While the Buckeyes can't let up, this advantage won't persist. Wisconsin is waiting. Minnesota will be back. BC, Clarkson & Colgate all have special seasons going. To make a real run at the summit, the Buckeyes will need to be everything they were this weekend, and more.

We're in great position to make the attempt. Can't wait to try.

The 3 Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun​

Honorable Mention: The Full Roster Of Ohio State Players & Coaches
A total team effort led to a highly successful weekend. In comparison to the opposition, the Buckeyes were more productive on offense, more effective on defense, and stronger in the nets. While also true on Friday, the difference in that game was razor thin. In the rematch, the margin was substantial in all categories. Congratulations to everyone on the team for a job very well done.


#3 Star: Kassidy Sauve, Ohio State
Another confident, aggressive, dominating performance by our keeper.

#2 Star: Tatum Skaggs, Ohio State
Brilliant individual effort to open the scoring. Tatum single-handedly created a turnover along the right wing boards, then lasered a shot into the upper left hand corner of the net.

#1 Star: (tie)Lauren Spring, Ohio State; and Maddy Field, Ohio State
Great day for the OSU Power Forwards. Lauren had the primary assist on both second period goals, when the Buckeyes truly broke the game open. Though not reflected on the scoresheet, forechecking pressure from Maddy actually started the second scoring play. Field did get credit for two goals and finished the day at +3. As time was winding down, Maddy's crash-the-net goal put a dramatic exclamation point on the festivities.


Up Next: The Mountaineering Adventure Continues With A Series in Duluth Against The Bulldogs.

 

[Genbeau]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

Final Score From Saturday, January 20th
Ohio State 5
Minnesota 1

Much To Celebrate As The Buckeyes Continue The Climb​

Winning a championship is like climbing a tall mountain. It isn't accomplished in a single day. Few are even invited to the base camp. And those that are must reach a series of intermediate camps before even attempting to summit. Accomplishing each of those goals along the way is cause for satisfaction and celebration. For a particularly dramatic description of the climbing enterprise, I refer you to Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air.

Armed with scholarships, motivation and talent, the Buckeyes arrived at "Base Camp" last Fall. You might say that the successful 1st Half of the season was similar to reaching Camp 2. Sweeping the Gophers and solidifying 2nd Place in the standings constitutes reaching Camp 3. To get to Camp 4, you need to win a WCHA Regular Season Title, a Final Face-Off, and/or get an NCAA bid. To reach the ultimate summit? The answer is obvious.

Now, about Camp 3. It's been a while since the Buckeyes have been this far up the mountain. It's more than appropriate to take a moment to relish the accomplishment. OK, at this altitude there aren't any roses to smell. But the air is clean, crisp and good. Draw in some long, luxurious breaths. We'll be needing that oxygen as we continue upward. The higher you go up the mountain, the thinner the air gets.

This weekend OSU had a distinct advantage in the motivation department. Saturday warm-ups provided an example. The Buckeyes were loose, yet focused. Intense, yet joyous. Hungry to play the game; ready to rock and roll. In contrast, the Gophers were a little too business-like. A bit lacking in passion.

While the Buckeyes can't let up, this advantage won't persist. Wisconsin is waiting. Minnesota will be back. BC, Clarkson & Colgate all have special seasons going. To make a real run at the summit, the Buckeyes will need to be everything they were this weekend, and more.

We're in great position to make the attempt. Can't wait to try.

The 3 Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun​

Honorable Mention: The Full Roster Of Ohio State Players & Coaches
A total team effort led to a highly successful weekend. In comparison to the opposition, the Buckeyes were more productive on offense, more effective on defense, and stronger in the nets. While also true on Friday, the difference in that game was razor thin. In the rematch, the margin was substantial in all categories. Congratulations to everyone on the team for a job very well done.


#3 Star: Kassidy Sauve, Ohio State
Another confident, aggressive, dominating performance by our keeper.

#2 Star: Tatum Skaggs, Ohio State
Brilliant individual effort to open the scoring. Tatum single-handedly created a turnover along the right wing boards, then lasered a shot into the upper left hand corner of the net.

#1 Star: (tie)Lauren Spring, Ohio State; and Maddy Field, Ohio State
Great day for the OSU Power Forwards. Lauren had the primary assist on both second period goals, when the Buckeyes truly broke the game open. Though not reflected on the scoresheet, forechecking pressure from Maddy actually started the second scoring play. Field did get credit for two goals and finished the day at +3. As time was winding down, Maddy's crash-the-net goal put a dramatic exclamation point on the festivities.


Up Next: The Mountaineering Adventure Continues With A Series in Duluth Against The Bulldogs.

I like the mountaineering analogy. No one will take the Buckeyes for granite anymore. Great to see Jincy D. healthy. I always thought she had a knack for making the game look easy.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

I like the mountaineering analogy. No one will take the Buckeyes for granite anymore. Great to see Jincy D. healthy. I always thought she had a knack for making the game look easy.

I shale accept those compliments! Thanks for reading.

Haven't given much thought to the geology of the famous climbing mountains. But indeed, granite and shale are both possibilities...

 

[D2D]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

Watching the St. Cloud/Wisconsin game on Fox Sports Network (FSN). Very good telecast with a knowledgeable crew doing the game. After a slow start Wisconsin scored twice to take a 2-0 lead into the second.

Also of note: one of the announcers mentioned that Mikaela Gardner was injured yesterday and will be out "indefinitely" with an upper body injury.

 

[D2D]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

Whoa, St. Cloud scores to make it a one goal game with 12 minutes to go.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

Final Score From Friday, February 2nd
Ohio State 1
Wisconsin 0

Total Team Takeover (TTT)​

A Total Team Effort paid off with a win over the Consensus #1. This game would make any OSU Alum proud. But none more so than '86.

Now I'll Grant that there's a bit of trademark infringement here. B/C on this board, TTT usually refers to Tony The Tiger. Here's to hoping that the real TTT will tolerate this one-time liberty. Perhaps he'll even help us translate what the result in means in Pairwise terms. Probably in partnership with robertearle, though the latter analyst was no doubt disappointed with the final score.

Confidential to Puckdrop14: This was one of the fun ones.

Lots to be proud of from a Buckeye perspective. But rarely has there been a game more ill-suited to the selection of three individual stars. Hope you'll enjoy an unconventional approach.

The 3 Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun​

Honorable Mention: Both Goalies & Both Defenses
26 Saves apiece for Kassidy Sauve and Kristen Campbell. Both would be the first to say they had defensive help from Teammates cleaning up rebounds. When you play against top offenses, rebounds occur. Meaning more than normal. At the end of the day, both goalies had turned in fine performances. But the ultimate credit goes to excellent Team Defense -- for both clubs.


#3 Star: Wisconsin Team, 1st Period
Impressive Team quickness. Crisp, quick release passing. A well structured forecheck, particularly along the walls. All these Badger attributes were on display during the first period. Outshot 12-2, the Buckeyes were fortunate to escape the first period still tied at zero.

#2 Star: Ohio State Team, 3rd Period
Obviously the most even of the periods. The Badgers were more productive on the shot chart, primarily in the last ten minutes as the Buckeyes focused on protecting the slim lead. But many of those shots came from medium range or longer. Quality chances weren't all that plentiful in the 3rd. And every Buckeye on the ice contributed to that. Yes, there was some chaos as time wound down. A couple of odd bounces added a little drama. But for better (Buckeyes) or worse (Badgers) those bounces didn't go directly to anyone. The precious 1 goal lead stood up.

#1 Star: Ohio State Team, 2nd Period
The Total Team Takeover occurred in the 2nd Period. Had this period been described to me prior to the start of the game, I never would have believed it. Playing flat-out yet utterly focused, the Buckeyes dominated the whole 200 feet. The 21-2 shot disparity was no fluke. Tenacious back-checking prevented shots; tenacious forechecking created shot opportunities. Over and over again. This kind of dominance isn't supposed to happen against anybody, much less the #1 Team in the nation.

The lone goal seemed to be something of a designed play. In the opening seconds of the period, Dani Sadek launched a stretch pass from her own zone to the Badger blue line. Though bothered by the Badger 'D,' Tatum Skaggs was able to tip the puck. Somehow the puck and Emma Maltais both squeezed through the Wisconsin defenders. Now on a breakaway, Emma calmly approached the Badger net, and smartly deposited the puck just inside the post.

Best period of the season. So far.

Up Next: Fasten Your Seatbelts; We Go Again Saturday Afternoon At 3:07PM

 

[osualum86]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

"This game would make any OSU Alum proud. But none more so than '86."

Thank you for the shoutout Pgb! Three of the seniors and RS-junior Kassidy Sauve have been through three coaches in four seasons. Charly Dahlquist had the rug pulled out from under her after her program was dropped. I am definitely proud of these young ladies and with the tough times they have been through, I cannot think of a group more richly deserving of this type of success than our Ohio State Women. Cannot wait to see the three stars from today's/yesterday's game. I am thinking that top line of Emma-Charly-Tatum, which has been on fire this season, is going to appear in the three stars somewhere!

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

Final Score From Saturday, February 3rd
Ohio State 3
Wisconsin 1

Buckeyes Sweep The Badgers? Believe It!​

The empty-netter with three seconds to go...the group hug after the final horn...the singing of Carmen Ohio...

I looked down at the joyous scene before me and saw the faces of the players. I realized these women aren't Monkeeying around; this team is for real. I'm a believer. I couldn't leave this if I tried.

These wins should put the Buckeyes in great shape for an NCAA bid. We're livin' large in the hockey world. Just give us the bid. We'll take the midnight plane to an-y-where. We might win. We might lose. But this weekend, the Badgers sang the blues.

Did a quick count. Our home ice record this season is 14-1-2. Both ties matured into shootout wins. The resume includes home sweeps over UMD, Minnesota and now Wisconsin. The winning just goes on and on and on and on.

Yes, Saturday's celebration is something we should never forget. Hold on to that feeling. And don't stop believing -- as we continue on the wonderful Journey of 2017-18.

The 3 Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun​

Honorable Mention: Kassidy Sauve, Ohio State
Like Friday's game, the rematch featured amazing team effort by both sides. But for this edition of the 3 Stars, we'll try to return the focus to difference-makers. With 34 Saves on 35 Badger shots, Kassidy certainly qualifies.


#3 Star: (tie) Lauren Williams, Wisconsin; and Mekenzie Steffen, Wisconsin
In a series like this, the margin between difference-makers and also-rans can be razor thin. But there's no denying the accomplishment of UW's Second D Pair. Both assisted on the lone Badger goal. Despite the 3-1 UW loss, Lauren was +1 for the game. Translation: No goals against. Mekenzie wasn't far behind, finishing even for the day. The only blemish on her transcript was the empty net goal. Both 'D' were strong, steady and unyielding throughout the contest.

#2 Star: (tie) Jincy Dunne, Ohio State and Dani Sadek, Ohio State
Very complete game by the Buckeye Starting D. 4 blocked shots apiece. +/- Totals? +3 for Jincy; +2 for Dani. Perhaps most importantly of all, Jincy's slick pass to a wide open Emma Maltais resulted in the game-tying goal -- and the turning point in Saturday's game.

#1 Star: (tie) Emma Maltais, Ohio State; Charly Dahlquist, Ohio State; and Tatum Skaggs, Ohio State
Since being reunited, the first line has been one perfect thing; and it feels so good. 1 goal apiece, to account for all the scoring. Emma tied it; Charly won it; and Tatum put the game away with a calm, celebratory march to the empty net. She was practically at the crease before gently lobbing the puck into the middle of the netting. These women have the scoring touch. Oh, and Tatum also had 5, count 'em 5, blocked shots. Add courageous to the list. Highly determined as well. And those attributes apply to the whole line, individually and collectively.

Thanks to ALL the Buckeye players & coaches for an awesome, memorable weekend.

Up Next: Road Trip To Mankato

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

OK, it's stopped snowing in Columbus. The Stars from Saturday's OSU/UW game are now plainly visible in the post below!

(Or above, as the case may be. The previous post...)

 

[osualum86]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

OK, it's stopped snowing in Columbus. The Stars from Saturday's OSU/UW game are now plainly visible in the post below!

(Or above, as the case may be. The previous post...)

I like your insertion of lyrics into the 3 Stars! When it comes to our Bucks, I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it. I'm about to lose control and I think I like it.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

I like your insertion of lyrics into the 3 Stars! When it comes to our Bucks, I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it. I'm about to lose control and I think I like it.

Point well taken. I know our "Sisters" down on the ice share that. And let's not forget the team made it happen two nights in row.

Go Bucks!

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

Final Score From Friday, February 16th
Ohio State 4
Bemidji State 0

High Water Marks​

With Friday's win, the Buckeye's clinched 2nd Place in the WCHA Standings -- the best regular season finish in program history. As nicely chronicled on www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com, the evening saw a number of other records fall, including most wins in a season, most shutouts in a season, and career saves. It was a fitting start to Senior Weekend.

A rising tide lifts all boats. The tide has been rising all season long for this Buckeye team, and we're now in uncharted territory. Keep it going, Buckeyes. Your supporters will be glad to keep charting your progress as the water continues to rise.

The 3 Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun​

Stars of the Stands: The Lauren Spring Fan Club
Loved the youthful enthusiasm and creative signage that Lauren's entourage brought to the Ice Rink. I'm guessing Lauren did too.

Bemidji State Honorable Mention: Kiki Radke
While the effort was certainly there, most of the Beavers spent most of the evening struggling to get positive results. But Kiki was a sparkling exception in the face-off circle, winning 10 of 12 draws.

Ohio State Honorable Mention: Julianna Iafallo
Two goals, and only an Honorable Mention? Well, when the whole team contributes, it gets crowded at the top. Julianna sealed the deal in the third period. First came an unassisted goal; forechecking pressure from Maddy Field helped produce the turnover on that one. Iafallo also proved to be a long range sniper, nailing a short-handed empty net goal from the neutral zone. No icing worries when you're short-handed!


#3 Star: Jacyn Reeves, Ohio State
Lots of ice time Friday for the fourth line, and it was very nice to see. Reeves, along with linemates Erin Langermeier & Olivia Soares, proved to be highly effective energy players, noticeably inspiring the Buckeyes on the bench. Jacyn cracked the scoresheet with a smart one-time pass to Iafallo on the empty-netter.

#2 Star: Kassidy Sauve, Ohio State
Coming back from injury, Kassidy didn't look 100%, and battled the puck at times. So we had to be content with limited results, right? Think again. All Sauve did was make 38 Saves and post her 9th Shutout of the season. Courageous performance. Our admiration for Kassidy grows with each passing week.

#1 Star: Tatum Skaggs, Ohio State
Bemidji can be stingy. So Tatum's goals late in the first period, and early in the second, were enormous.

Being that I almost never miss a game in person, I rarely hear the play-by-play call on the live stream. But this time I checked out the highlight package on the website. Had to laugh out loud at the description of Skaggs' first goal as a "hand pass to herself." I was thinking Tatum knocked down the BSU pass with her glove, then ran down the resulting loose puck. But legalities aside, Skaggs created her own breakaway. From there, she squeezed a thrilling 5 hole shot into the net, an option I frankly didn't think was there as she entered the slot.

On the second tally, linemates Emma Maltais & Charly Dahlquist won a four player scrum along the boards in front of the Buckeye bench. The puck popped out to Tatum, and she quickly fired it into the far side of the Beaver net. The shot seemed to surprise the Bemidji goalie, who never moved on the play.


Up Next: Senior Day Festivities & The Rematch With Bemidji. The Usual Saturday Face-Off Time Of 3:07 Applies.

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

Final Score From Saturday, February 17th
Bemidji State 2
Ohio State 1

Buckeyes Celebrate Seniors; Beavers Celebrate Win​

It stings a bit to lose on Senior Night. Bemidji State eked out the win to hand Ohio State just its second home ice loss of the year.

The defeat doesn't diminish the Buckeyes' magical season. Nor does it diminish the fine careers of the five Buckeye Seniors. But let's just say I'm grateful we've got another home ice opportunity next weekend, as the playoffs begin.

The 3 Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun​

Honorable Mention: Ohio State's Senior Class
Ohio State honored five Buckeye careers in pre-game ceremony on Saturday: #8 Dani Sadek; #9 Liv Halvorson; #13 Jessica Dunne; #18 Julianna Iafallo & #27 Lauren Spring. Best Senior Moment on the weekend? You'd probably point to Julianna's two Friday goals, and her Saturday assist. Iafallo was also a cumulative +3 for the series.


#3 Star: Jacqueline Kaasa, Bemidji State
Sometimes you're in the right place at the right time. Of course it takes hockey sense and hard work to get to that place. Kara Werth fired a blast at the Buckeye net from the left wing boards. At the same time, Jacqueline was crashing the net from the right. As puck luck would have it, the Werth shot rebounded directly to Kaasa. The puck appeared to hit Jacqueline just above the right knee, and caromed into the net.

#2 Star: Kerigan Dowhy, Bemidji State
Kerigan had a pretty manageable workload in the first two periods. But she faced a Buckeye onslaught in the third, as OSU urgently tried to tie the game. Dowhy stood tall, rejecting all 15 of the Buckeye SOG. Kerigan finished with 28 saves and an impressive win.

#1 Star: Alexis Joyce, Bemidji State
Alexis was a defensive stalwart for the full 60 minutes, and would have earned a star on that basis alone. Still, the game-changing moment came on her offensive contribution. Teeing up the puck on the left point, Joyce launched an absolute bomb toward the Buckeye net. The initial shot beat Kassidy Sauve, but hit metal. The rebound came straight back, hit Sauve, and pinballed just over the goal line. More puck luck? Yes, a little of that. But my take is that Bemidji earned their breaks.


Up Next: 1st Round WCHA Playoff Series vs. Minnesota State. The Face-Off Times Are 6:07PM Friday; 3:07PM Saturday; & If Necessary, 3:07PM Sunday.

 

[Puckdrop14]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

Sounds like the Buckeyes had themselves a tough game.....3 Bemidji stars!

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

That's a fair reaction to what I wrote. But I've unintentionally misled you.

The game was very competitive. The Buckeyes got stronger as the game went on, gaining urgency after they fell behind. I just didn't feel there was any single OSU difference-maker who stood out from her teammates. In contrast, each of the 3 Bemidji contributions was vital to the upset.

Another Factor: Since I gave all three stars to OSU on Friday, it seemed appropriate to give all three to BSU on Saturday, given the split.

Finally, there's a lot of artistic license in my version of the 3 Stars. I've always assumed that this was beyond obvious. But for the record, I'm not grading players. Someone breaking down game film as a serious endeavor would likely come up with a different list.

Thanks for the comment!

 

[osualum86]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

Sounds like the Buckeyes had themselves a tough game.....3 Bemidji stars!

Not really the case. Bemidji just got some bounces. As Coach Muzerall alluded to in the postgame interview, though, we need to play with a sense of urgency the entire game, not just in the third period after we get behind 2-1. Now that we are into playoff hockey where it's win or go home, I expect the Buckeyes to step it up like they have been known to do at the OSU Ice Rink. Practices will probably be tough this week after Saturday's loss, but come Friday, our kids will be ready to play.

 

[Puckdrop14]

That's a fair reaction to what I wrote. But I've unintentionally misled you.

The game was very competitive. The Buckeyes got stronger as the game went on, gaining urgency after they fell behind. I just didn't feel there was any single OSU difference-maker who stood out from her teammates. In contrast, each of the 3 Bemidji contributions was vital to the upset.

Another Factor: Since I gave all three stars to OSU on Friday, it seemed appropriate to give all three to BSU on Saturday, given the split.

Finally, there's a lot of artistic license in my version of the 3 Stars. I've always assumed that this was beyond obvious. But for the record, I'm not grading players. Someone breaking down game film as a serious endeavor would likely come up with a different list.

Thanks for the comment!

Gracias! You always do an amazing job with the three stars and it is always tasteful. I was curious about the game and how the local team played. Reading later comments on the ceremony, maybe the emotion of the ceremony pregame had something to do with the slow start, who knows.

The Buckeyes had an amazing season and expect them to be tough in the playoffs. Good luck!

 

[osualum86]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

Reading later comments on the ceremony, maybe the emotion of the ceremony pregame had something to do with the slow start, who knows.

That is precisely why I think they should do that stuff after the games instead of before ... too emotional. It's been a great season, but from what I am reading, we cannot move up high enough to get into the top four of the pairwise and get a home game in the NCAA Tournament, so this coming weekend will be it when it comes to seeing the team at the OSU Ice Rink. Hope everyone shows up! We actually had what appeared to be a standing-room-only crowd Saturday, which was really neat to see. The announcer actually got on the microphone and requested that people scoot closer to each other.

 

[robertearle]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

All Conference teams:

http://www.wcha.com/women/pres1718/201802/feb23as.php

 

[pgb-ohio]

Re: WCHA 2017-18 Season

Final Score From Friday, February 23rd
Ohio State 6
Minnesota State 0
(Buckeyes Lead Best of Three Series 1-0)

Offense of Olympic Proportions​

It's been a remarkable week for Women's Hockey. The players in Pyeonchang gave us amazing passion, skill and determination. Maybe it's just my overactive imagination, but it felt like the Buckeyes drew inspiration from the heroic play in the Olympic games.

Regardless, the first home playoff game in 11 years didn't disappoint. The Buckeyes produced goals of every make and description, getting the playoff run off to a fine start. And in an unprecedented wrinkle for the 3 Stars, one player was so nice I named her twice. She shined so bright it just seemed right.

The 3 Stars of the Game: Decidedly Unofficial & Just For Fun​

Honorable Mention: Amanda Zeglen, Ohio State
On this occasion we're honoring the offensive juggernaut. But we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that the Buckeye keeper was also a difference-maker. Amanda was a perfect 21 for 21 in saves. She really sparkled in the 2nd Period, when the Mavericks made their best offensive push.

#3 Star: Maddy Field, Ohio State
It was a Power Forward's masterpiece. Drives to the net with pedal to the metal. Precision marksmanship upon arrival. Three times Maddy proved to be an irresistible force, earning a playoff hat trick.

#2 Star: (tie) Lauren Boyle, Ohio State; Jincy Dunne, Ohio State; and Dani Sadek, Ohio State
The Buckeyes have relied heavily on three defenders all season long. If they played for Team Sweden, they'd be the Tre Kroner. Thankfully, they're all Red, White & Blue. Call them the Trident Defense.

As brilliant as our defensive core has been, I can't remember the last time all three were on the ice together. But on a Buckeye Power Player late in the first period, there they were, set up in an umbrella formation. Watching it was like opening up a Christmas package and finding a really cool toy. The toy didn't disappoint. Masterful passing from one to another. Then Lauren identified a target area inside the right post, took careful aim, and fired. Perfect placement.

#1 Star: (tie) Emma Maltais, Ohio State; Jincy Dunne, Ohio State; and Charly Dahlquist, Ohio State
The fourth goal simply had it all: Grit, Grace & Gold Medal Quality. Charly got things started with her tenacious forechecking, a talent we've come to crave. Dahlquist extracted the puck from along the boards, and served it well to Dunne. From the end line, Jincy launched a majestic stretch pass to Emma, creating a breakaway. Couldn't help but think of the USA stretch pass to Monique Lamoureux early Thursday morning. Emma was completely clear of the defense, essentially creating a shootout opportunity. The Maltais Five Hole Move was calm, practiced, polished and jaw-droppingly good. Couldn't help but think of the shootout heroics in the Gold Medal Game -- by both North American teams.


Up Next: Game 2 Of The WCHA Playoff Series. Face-Off At 3:07PM.