Greco Nets Hat Trick in Loss to Michigan

The Buckeyes knew they'd need all hands on deck tonight facing the high flying No. 19 Michigan Wolverines. It was not a night to be hampered by illness and injury but that was exactly where Ohio State found itself.

The Bucks were severely shorthanded, able to start only ten forwards against their mitten-shaped nemesis. That number dropped even further late in the first period when an unwise hit by Dave Gust garnered a major penalty and a game ejection, leaving the Buckeyes just nine forwards. 

You might expect, under the circumstances, that manufacturing goals would be a challenge for OSU in this game. That was not the case. The Buckeyes lit Michigan up half a dozen times. Their six goals tied the Wolverines' worst goals-against mark this season (a 6-2 loss to Michigan Tech). 

Anthony Greco netted his second hat trick of the season which included two unassisted tallies. The first came on the penalty kill late in the first period as Greco's persistent harassment of Michigan's point player paid off in a turnover. He took the puck the length of the ice and scored.

The other solo effort capped the hattie and followed close on the heels of Greco's second goal. The junior took control of the faceoff and nailed the twine behind Michigan goalie Steve Racine for the third time in the game and the second time in six seconds. 

Only slightly less impressive was Matt Johnson continuing his career year. The Stillwater, MN native potted his ninth and tenth goals of the season as well as setting up a Matt Weis tip-in. With three points tonight Johnson boasts a 6-2--8 stat line in the five games since the holiday break.

Unfortunately the OSU defense did not fare as well as the offense. Matt Tomkins started in net for the Buckeyes, allowing seven goals on 30 shots. The sophomore goalie received little to no support from the Ohio State defenders. They repeatedly left the Wolverines unattended around the net. For much of the game Michigan players lined up juicy shots and happily whacked away at rebounds with minimal interference from the Bucks. 

Ohio State’s lack of defensive fundamentals in tonight’s outing leaves a sour taste, but head coach Steve Rohlik chose to focus on his team’s never-say-die attitude:

"Our guys gave it all they had in the third period and that's a positive to build on."

The Buckeyes hit the road again next week with a series at Michigan State. Next Friday's game is scheduled to air live on BTN. 

Amsley-Benzie Shutout Ends Women's Win Streak

North Dakota snapped Ohio State's win streak with a 1-0 defeat of the Buckeyes tonight. A shot by NoDak's Tanja Eisenschmid found its way past Stacy Danczak midway through the first period. That would prove to be all the goal support Shelby Amsley-Benzie needed. The UND netminder turned aside all 26 Ohio State shots in the shutout. 

The teams meet up again tomorrow night as they conclude their weekend and season series. The puck is scheduled for a 6pm drop. Admission to the ladies’ games is, as always, 100% free.