Ohio State’s seniors advanced to the WCHA tournament semifinal round in each of their four seasons. And just like the previous three, that’s where the run ended for the Buckeyes (17-16-3) this season. Minnesota dashed the championship dreams for the third time in their careers, this time by a 7-1 margin.
The Gophers (32-2-2) got points from five of six defensemen, including goals from Lyndsay Wall and Ashley Albrecht. Natalie Darwitz represented the forwards with her second hat trick of the season and a four-point night that upped her season total to 99. Freshmen Liz Palkie and Erica McKenzie also scored for Minnesota.
“I think the key to the game was the way we started — got a lead early, which is always key for us,” said Gopher coach Laura Halldorson. “It was great to see, we got a couple of power play goals from our gold unit. I just thought everyone played really well.”
Wall put Minnesota on the board first, moving in from the point and converting a feed from Kelly Stephens.
“I’m going to give Lyndsay Wall credit on that first goal,” said Ohio State coach Jackie Barto, “because we were draped all over her, and she managed to put the puck in the back of the net.”
Darwitz doubled the lead when she deflected a Wall shot in midair and it eluded goalie Erika Vanderveer.
“We just didn’t tie up the hands, and it was Natalie Darwitz, and you can’t let her have her hands free in front of the net,” Barto said.
Albrecht scored a power play goal in the final minute of the opening period, and Minnesota took a comfortable 3-0 lead into the locker room.
“We were open the whole time, and we were able to go down and get shots,” Albrecht said.
After falling behind 4-0 on Palkie’s slap shot from the wing, the Buckeyes attempted to rally. Several minutes of good pressure earned them a power play opportunity. Jeni Creary capitalized by backhanding a shot over Jody Horak.
“Ohio State’s a good team, and they had good power play movement and good chances,” Darwitz said.
“We had one stretch there where we struggled getting out of our zone, but it didn’t last very long,” Halldorson said. “I thought we responded well, and got back on track.”
Darwitz was a central figure in the response, scoring twice on one shift off setups by linemates Stephens and Krissy Wendell.
“We worked real hard for 60 minutes,” Barto said. “Minnesota played an outstanding game. They’re talented, and they’re always a threat offensively, and they just took advantage of some of our mistakes early on. Little things make a big difference against a team of this caliber.”
The Buckeyes complete their season against Minnesota Duluth in the WCHA Third Place game. For captain Meaghan Mulvaney and her classmates, it will conclude their careers at Ohio State.
“It’s my last one, but I’m going to play it like any other one, and I think the girls are too,” Mulvaney said.
The Gophers turn their attention to a championship matchup against Wisconsin.
“Last time we played was a defensive battle, and it’s going to be that way again,” Darwitz said.
Her coach expects her charges to be ready.
“I think there’ll be plenty of adrenaline to go around — give everybody energy,” Halldorson said.
