It was a nailbiter, but Ohio State fell today by a 9-8 score to Notre Dame in the shoe.  Despite yet another tied score at halftime, 5-5, Ohio State fell behind in the 2nd half and couldn't find a way to get it done.

The good news is, Notre Dame is a top 5 team and Ohio State was there the whole time.  The stafft finally came to its senses and put Tre Leclaire back where he belongs.  As a starting attackman, Leclaire had 3 goals, 2 assists, and Ohio State didn't completely suck on offense.  Yes, it was a loss.  But a 9-8 defeat is a far cry from a 12-7 drubbing.  And there is ground to be made up in the B1G.

Leclaire was the big name, but JT Bugliosi added 2 tallies and senior middie John Kelly had a goal and 2 assists.  I am not sure if Gale Thorpe was injured or suspended, but he didn't play today.  A starting attack line of JT, Tre, and Thorpe is what this team could use to really be successful.

Ohio State really struggled at the faceoff X.  I got that completely wrong.  Inacio went 4 of 16, and Feliziani went 0 for 4.  That's the power of great wing play, and 16 extra possessions is what did the Buckeyes in.  This is a team that just can't quite get every piece right on a given day. 

Also notable is a change in goal.  Sophomore Josh Kirshon started and made 13 saves in a losing effort.  Hopefully this move pays dividends down the road. 

Big Ten play begins with Penn State in Columbus on Saturday.  5 games to decide if the Buckeyes are in the postseason or not.