Eric Boggs
The Ohio State men’s hockey team, who finishing dead last in the Big Ten Conference regular season, delivered an unexpected upset against the #2 ranked Wisconsin Badgers in the first round of the Big Ten Ice Hockey Tournament. Despite their challenging regular season record of 3-18-2, the Buckeyes displayed resilience and determination, securing a historic series win against a formidable opponent.
The Wisconsin Badgers, boasting a strong regular season performance, entered the first-round contest against Ohio State with confidence. However, the Buckeyes had proven to be a thorn in the Badgers’ side throughout the season, with a surprising 1-2-1 record against them – one of Ohio State’s better records against a conference opponent.
The first game of the three-game series took place on Friday night, setting the stage for the dramatic upset. With the score tied at 1-1, Ohio State’s Max Montes capitalized on a power-play opportunity in the third period, propelling the Buckeyes to a 3-1 victory. The Ohio State defense held strong, sealing the deal with an empty-netter. The Badgers, however, bounced back on Saturday, securing a 4-2 victory and forcing a decisive game three.
In the critical third game, Ohio State surprised once again by jumping out to a 1-0 lead with a power-play goal from David Burnside. The Buckeye defense maintained its resilience, frustrating the Badgers’ offensive efforts. Fifth-year senior defenseman Scooter Brickey extended Ohio State’s lead in the second frame, and despite Wisconsin’s desperate attempts, the Buckeyes added a second goal from Burnside, securing a 3-1 victory and a 2-1 series win.
The triumph marked the first time in Big Ten Ice Hockey history that a 7th seed had knocked off a #2 seed in the first round of the tournament. Ohio State’s unexpected journey continues, defying the odds as they continue to write their underdog story.
The Buckeyes now face a formidable challenge in the semifinals against #1 seeded Michigan State. Despite a 1-3 record against the Spartans during the regular season, Ohio State has proven that they are a team capable of surprises. The semifinal showdown is scheduled for Saturday at 6:30 in East Lansing, promising another thrilling chapter in Ohio State’s unexpected tournament run. It will be a one game showdown with the winner securing their trip to the Big Ten Tournament Championship.
