No. 4 Minnesota (17-7-2 overall, 8-2-0 Big Ten) vs. No. 12 Ohio State (13-7-6 overall, 4-5-1 Big Ten)
Date: Friday, Feb. 10, 2017
Location: Value City Arena | Columbus, Ohio
Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. CT
TV: Big Ten Network
Stream: BTN2Go
Radio: 1500 ESPN, Gopher Radio Network
Date: Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017
Location: Value City Arena | Columbus, Ohio
Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. CT
TV: Big Ten Network
Stream: BTN2Go
Radio: 1500 ESPN, Gopher Radio Network
INSIDE THE MATCHUP
The Gophers have been absolutely dominant in the all-time series, going 25-4-1.
Unfortunately, the last meeting didn’t go as planned. After taking the series opener at Mariucci, Minnesota got throttled 8-3.
If you want to see the best part of that series, click here for some highlights of the 5-3 victory.
It’s the second weekend in a row of top offenses. The Buckeyes are second in the country with 4.08 goals per game, while the Gophers are fourth with 3.81.
The top four scorers in the Big Ten will all square off in this series. Mason Jobst leads the way with 36 points, Tyler Sheehy 35, Nick Schilkey 31, and Justin Kloos with 30. Should be a fun couple games.
Minnesota leads the conference with six short-handed goals while Ohio State is last in the Big Ten allowing five shorties this year.
STORYLINE CENTRAL
Nick Clarkson with The Lantern takes the OSU view of the series. Of note, the Buckeyes have struggled recently to keep the puck out of the net.
Also from The Lantern, Miles McQuinn looks at 10 things heading into OSU’s final 10 games on the season. It’s certainly worth a read to get a better feel for the Buckeyes.
Nate Wells with the Pioneer Press looks at Minnesota’s recent success on the penalty kill. The Maroon and Gold will need a strong performance on the PK as they face OSU’s 28.8 power play, good for first in the country.
QUOTES
Don Lucia
On Ohio State:
“They’re getting healthy again. I think they have six forwards averaging a point per game. They went through a stretch the last couple months with injuries. Their keys guys were out but now they’re back. Going into the year, I picked them to win the league. They’re as talented as anybody. Their group of forwards are scary good. Our team discipline is going to be important. Their power play percentage, they were 7-for-13 against Michigan. We have to do a good job in that area.”
On Jake Bischoff’s game:
“He can do it all, he’s kinda like a Swiss Army knife. He has every tool in the box. He can defend, he can play on the power play, four-on-four, block shots. I think he’s been as good as any defenseman in our league. He’s been playing at an all-conference, all-American level.