The No. 12/13 Ohio State men’s hockey team will take on No. 20 Notre Dame on Friday and Saturday in Columbus. Credit: Zachary Rilley | Photo Editor
The No. 12 Ohio State men’s ice hockey team looks to get back on track at home this weekend in a top-20 matchup with No. 20 Notre Dame after an unsuccessful trip to Michigan State.
The Buckeyes (7-4-1, 3-3 Big Ten) were swept on the road by the Spartans last weekend. Senior forward Tate Singleton said the two losses made the Buckeyes motivated to get back to the ice.
“You know, it’s tough to lose two on the road,” Singleton said. “We’re really looking forward to this weekend. We got a lot to prove in this weekend for sure.”
Singleton said the tough weekend against Michigan State has not caused the Buckeyes’ mindset to waver, and he believes it could serve as motivation for the rest of the season.
“I don’t think it dented our confidence. I think it was more of a wake-up call that anyone in the Big Ten can play,” Singleton said. “Anyone in college hockey can beat you, and if you don’t bring it, then you’re going to be on the wrong side of the score.”
Last season, the Fighting Irish went 28-12, including 17 wins in the Big Ten with a 2-2 record against Ohio State.
Notre Dame (5-5-2, 2-3-1 Big Ten) comes into this weekend’s matchup off a set split against Michigan in South Bend, Indiana.
Offensively the Irish are led by junior forward Ryder Rolston and graduate forward Chayse Primeau. Both Rolston and Primeau have 10 points on the season — with Rolston scoring four goals and six assists and Primeau scoring three goals and seven assists.
Despite having two 10-point scorers, Notre Dame is struggling offensively this season, holding the second-lowest goals scored per game in the Big Ten at 2.33. The Fighting Irish are last in the conference in shots on goal per game at 29.83, the only Big Ten team averaging less than 30.
The Irish are also struggling on defense, allowing 2.83 goals per game, the second-worst in the Big Ten. Despite conceding goals, the Irish block the second-most shots in the Big Ten at 13.17.
Notre Dame’s biggest struggle this season is on special teams. The Irish post the third-worst power-play percentage in the Big Ten at .171, the worst penalty kill percentage at .733 and give up the second-most penalty minutes per game, spending over 14 minutes in the penalty box per game.
A strength Notre Dame has shown this season is its goaltending. The Fighting Irish lead the Big Ten in saves and saves per game at 387 and 32.25, respectively, and are third in save percentage at .919 per game.
Head coach Steve Rohlik said the Buckeyes are looking forward to playing at home after a trip on the road last weekend.
“You always love playing in your own barn,” Rohlik said. “We’d love to continue to push more people in here, and with our band and our students continuing to fill the place up, it certainly gives you an advantage.”
Game one of the weekend set against Notre Dame is Friday at Value City Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. with BTN+ livestreaming.
