In a surprising turn of events, the Ohio State men’s hockey team secured a memorable weekend sweep against the #4 ranked Wisconsin Badgers, marking a significant achievement in an otherwise challenging season. The Buckeyes not only claimed their first weekend sweep against a Big Ten opponent this season but did so with impressive performances in both Friday and Saturday night matchups.
The weekend commenced with a nail-biting Friday night clash, where Ohio State edged out Wisconsin in overtime with a final score of 3-2. Davis Burnside, Stephen Halliday, and Michael Gildon were the heroes for the Buckeyes, contributing crucial goals in the thrilling victory. Goalie Logan Terness played a pivotal role, turning away 28 shots and ensuring the Buckeyes took the first game of the series.
Saturday night saw Ohio State building on their momentum, delivering another impactful performance against the highly-ranked Badgers. Cam Thiesing and Davis Burnside quickly established a 2-0 lead for the Buckeyes late in the first period. Although Wisconsin managed to narrow the gap with a power-play goal in the second frame, Ohio State responded promptly, with Joe Dunlap finding the back of the net less than three minutes later. The Buckeyes entered the third period with a 3-1 lead, ultimately securing the victory with solid goaltending from Kristoffer Eberly, who made 12 saves in the final period.
Despite these impressive wins, the Buckeyes have faced challenges throughout the season, particularly in Big Ten play, where they hold a record of 3-15-1. However, the weekend sweep against a top-ranked opponent serves as a testament to their resilience and ability to compete at a high level.
Outside of Big Ten play, Ohio State has demonstrated their prowess with a much more favorable overall record of 11-15-3. The team’s ability to perform well in non-conference matchups showcases their potential and provides a glimmer of hope as they navigate the competitive landscape of collegiate hockey.