Then-junior forward Freddy Gerard celebrates as Mason Jobst scores an empty net goal during the third period of Ohio State’s 5-1 victory over Denver in the NCAA Tournament. Credit: Nick Hudak | For The Lantern
The No. 4 Ohio State men’s hockey team skated to a 2-2 tie with No. 15 Bowling Green after dropping its first game to the Falcons on Friday night.
Looking to get off to a better start than they did the night before, allowing eight goals and allowing the Falcons to convert on four of eight power play opportunities, the Buckeyes scored just six minutes into the game with a goal from junior forward Carson Meyer, his fourth of the season, with assists from senior defenseman Sasha Larocque and senior forward Freddy Gerard.
After Meyer’s goal, Ohio State (3-2-1) retained the 1-0 lead until Bowling Green (5-1-1) junior forward Lukas Craggs tied the game up less than two minutes into the third period. The Falcons then scored on a power play with just under five minutes remaining to take the 2-1 lead, their first of the game.
Though the penalties were still an issue for the Buckeyes, giving up five in regulation and one in overtime, the penalty kill for Ohio State allowed one power play goal on the six opportunities they gave the Falcons.
After giving up the lead, Gerard scored for the Buckeyes with less than three minutes remaining in regulation. He was assisted on the goal by Meyer and senior forward Mason Jobst. This was Gerard’s second goal of the season and both he and Meyer’s second points of the game.
The game remained tied as regulation came to an end. In overtime, neither team was able to score to finalize the 2-2 tie.
Each team had three shots in overtime and overall Bowling Green outshot Ohio State 30-25.
Offensively, the Buckeyes didn’t convert any of their four power play attempts during the game. Through their first six games, Ohio State has only scored on four of its 30 power plays. The .133 success rate is No. 47 in the nation.
Sophomore goaltender Tommy Nappier allowed two goals on 30 shots, both of which came in the third period.
No. 4 Ohio State will stay on the road next weekend against No. 1 Notre Dame, with the puck dropping at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
