Ohio State and Michigan State spent much of tonight’s rematch locked in a defensive battle. As one would expect in such a conservatively played game, scoring chances were few and far between. The Spartans were able to capitalize on their opportunities and defeated the Buckeyes, picking up a series sweep.
Like last night, the teams skated through a scoreless opening period. While no goals were scored, the action was up tempo with good flow and few whistles. Michigan State held a slight 8-5 edge in shots.
The second period continued in the same vein with both sides fiercely defending their nets. The break in the game came near the end through the frame. Christian Lampasso’s hustle drew the Spartans into the game’s first penalty at the 14:29 mark. The Buckeyes failed to score on the ensuing power play.
| goals by period | 1 | 2 | 3 | final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Michigan State | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
MSU took the momentum from the successful kill the other way. Travis Walsh put the moves on Sam Jardine, taking him out of the play. The OSU forwards were slow to engage defensively. As a result the Spartans found themselves essentially on a 3-on-1. It was their first big odd-man chance of the series and they took full advantage, beating Christian Frey.
MSU’s one goal lead stood for much of the game, but the Bucks weren’t able to even the score. Any chance at a Buckeye comeback ended with a pair of major penalties in the latter quarter of the third period. Michigan State scored on the extended 5-on-3, finishing with a 2-0 win.
I know what you’re going to think when I say this, but this was another largely encouraging outing for Ohio State. The Buckeyes have been floundering in their own end lately. It was good to see them put together two solid defensive games this week. There’s a lot of room for improvement, but at least improvement seems like a possibility.
The Bucks’ offense cooled off this week. That’s not good. However it's not a shocking result given the renewed team commitment to defense. It is also worth noting that the team is presently without 30% of its goal scoring due to injury. That’s a lot.
Fortunately for the walking wounded they’ll have a chance to rest up. Ohio State has a bye next week before heading to Minnesota in February to face the free-falling Gophers.
