Bilka’s Late Power Play Goal Lifts Buckeyes Past Bulldogs

Saturday, January 20

Columbus, Ohio

2 p.m.

Ohio State

20-2-0, 17-1-0

Minnesota Duluth

13-9-2, 10-8-0

Minn. Duluth

Ohio St.

Bilka’s Late Power Play Goal Lifts Buckeyes Past Bulldogs

1/20/2024 5:47:00 PM | Women's Ice Hockey

Box Score

Box Score | Schedule | Roster | Season Stats

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Thanks to a late power play goal from graduate forward Hannah Bilka and an 18 save performance from senior goaltender Amanda Thiele, the No. 1 Ohio State women's hockey team downed No. 7 Minnesota Duluth, 1-0, Saturday at the OSU Ice Rink. Ohio State improves to 20-2-0 on the year and 17-1-0 in WCHA play with the win.

How it Happened

The first and only goal of the game was scored on the Buckeyes' second and final power play opportunity. Ohio State needed just 21 seconds to set Bilka up to score the game-winning goal at 15:42.
Jenn Gardiner, Cayla Barnes and Bilka passed the puck around the top of the Bulldogs' zone before Gardiner sent a pass across the slot to Bilka. Bilka one-timed the puck past Minnesota Duluth goaltender Eve Gascon to break the 0-0 tie.
Amanda Thiele stopped a number of breakaway opportunities by the Bulldogs to keep them off the scoreboard and earn the shutout.
The Buckeyes outshot Minnesota Duluth in the first and second periods by a 26-9 margin. The Bulldogs had more opportunities in the third, but it was Ohio State who was able to capitalize.

Game Notes

Thiele earned her second shutout of the season with 18 saves on the day.
Ohio State has only allowed one goal in the last four games, all of which were against top-10 teams.
Bilka's third period power play goal ends Minnesota Duluth's penalty kill streak at 33.
Ohio State has swept the regular season series against Minnesota Duluth for the first time in program history. The Buckeyes earned three shutouts in the series and allowed just two goals to the Bulldogs.
Emma Peschel led the team with five blocked shots on the day.
Ohio State was held without a goal in both the first and second period for the first time this season.
Both games of the series were played in front of sold-out crowds at the OSU Ice Rink.

Statistically Speaking
Total Shots: Ohio State 79, Minnesota Duluth 36
Shots on Goal: Ohio State 33, Minnesota Duluth 18
Saves: Minnesota Duluth (Gascon) 32, Ohio State (Thiele) 18
Power Play: Ohio State 1-2, Minnesota Duluth 0-1
Faceoffs: Minnesota Duluth 23, Ohio State 19
Ohio State Scoring: Bilka (1-0-1), Barnes (0-1-1), Gardiner (0-1-1)

Up Next
Ohio State heads back to Minnesota to play St. Cloud State Jan. 26-27 in St. Cloud. The two-game series is set for 4 p.m. ET Friday and 2 p.m. ET Saturday. The games will be streamed on B1G+ (subscription required).

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