The Drought is Over
Caleb Downs scores Ohio State’s first punt return touchdown since 2014.
No. 9 Bemidji State boasts one of the nation's top defenses, a fantastic netminder, and effective special teams. Tonight, however, the Buckeyes beat the Beavers at their own game.
| goals by period | 1 | 2 | 3 | final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Bemidji Statae | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Shots in the game were heavily in favor of Bemidji State. The Beavers put 33 pucks on net. Ohio State managed just 14. Fortunately for the Bucks goalie Stacy Danczak and the OSU defense were up to the challenge. Danczak turned away every Beaver attack and recorded the second shutout of her career.
The Buckeye offense wasn't dominant but it was opportunistic. OSU netted two power play goals in eight chances. (It sounds like a lot but several advantages were only seconds long.) Taylor Kuehl put the lady Bucks on the board midway through the first period.
Julia McKinnon sealed the win with an empty net marker. The other half of Ohio State's special teams took care of business as well. The penalty killers shut down both of the Beavers' power play tries.
| per | time | buckeye goal scorers (Assists) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11:33 | Taylor Kuehl - PP (Kari Schmitt) |
| 3 | 19:43 | Julia McKinnon - PP EN (Claudia Kepler) |
Tonight's victory vaults the Buckeyes into a fifth place tie with North Dakota in the WCHA. Both teams own 21 points. Bemidji holds steady in fourth with 23 points. The Buckeyes and Beavers conclude their season series tomorrow at 3 ET/ 2 CT.
