After a win and last-second shootout tie in Madison, the Gophers will look to continue their strong play as the Ohio State Buckeyes come to town.
PREGAME NOTES
Ohio State (7-13-2 overall, 2-6-0 Big Ten) vs. Minnesota (12-9-3 overall, 3-2-3 Big Ten)
Friday, 8:12 p.m. CT on BTN – Mariucci Arena (10,000)
Saturday, 7:05 p.m. CT on FSN Plus – Mariucci Arena
Series History
Well, the all-time series hasn’t been close. The Gophers are a dominant 15-2-1 in the all-time series but are winless in their last two against the Buckeyes (one loss and one tie). The last meeting was a 3-1 win for the Buckeyes in the Big Ten Tournament. One of the more memorable games of the series came last January when the Maroon and Gold topped Ohio State, 1-0, at the Hockey City Classic played at TCF Bank Stadium.
About the Buckeyes
It’s been a difficult season for Ohio State. The Buckeyes check in at 7-13-2 overall and just 2-6-0 in the conference. Ohio State is a -13 in goal differential on the season and rank fourth in the Big Ten in total points. The Buckeyes do hold wins over Penn State and Notre Dame but this weekend will be another opportunity for the Gophers to gain momentum against a struggling squad.
Coaching Preview
Steve Rohlik is in his second season as the head coach at Ohio State. Prior to coming his arrival in Columbus, Rohlik spent 10 seasons as an assist at UMD, from 2000-2010. Rohlik is a native of St. Paul and played four seasons for the Badgers. He won the NCAA title as a senior captain in 1990.
Player to Watch
The Buckeyes don’t have any players that will jump off the page but Stillwater, Minn. native, Matt Johnson, has been putting together a solid senior season. Johnson is tied for the team lead with 14 points (in just 19 games) and will be motivated to play against the hometown team.
Background
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Enrollment: 57,466
Conference: Big Ten
Mascot: Buckeyes
Colors: Scarlet and Gray
Coach: Steve Rohlik (2nd Season)