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MADISON, Wis. — Freshman goaltender Andrea Braendli notched 52 saves as the No. 10 Ohio State University women’s ice hockey team (18-12-1, 12-10-1-1 WCHA) took two points from the No. 1 University of Wisconsin Badgers (28-4-1, 18-4-1-0 WCHA) with a 1-1 tie and shootout win at LaBahn Arena on Friday.
Coach Muzerall on the Game
“We’re very happy to have Andrea back, she just seemed so solid and relaxed against a fantastic opponent. She was calm and composed, and that’s what you need in your goaltender.”
“Sometimes when you’re the underdog team and you’re down 1-0 it’s hard to keep focused and keep positive, and we talked about that all week. If it happens, how would we punch back and continue to rally? They found a way to do it.”
The Nitty Gritty
BRAENDLI WITH THE SAVE!! She STONEWALLS Pankowski to keep @OhioStateWHKY alive late!#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/L5KttlnHOJ
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) February 23, 2019
First Period
The Buckeyes thought they’d have their hands full with the top ranked Badgers and the first period confirmed their suspicions. Wisconsin outshot OSU 15-to-5 in the period, with none being as costly as Roque’s PPG that sent the Bucks into the locker room down 1-0.
Second Period
Ohio State continued to fire away looking for an equalizer, but neither team found the back of the net in the second as Wisconsin’s 1-0 lead held through to the third. OSU put 10 SOG in the second.
Third Period
Through gritted teeth the Bucks kept plugging away until the levy finally broke and Skaggs evened things up at 1-1.
HOW?? Tatum Skaggs redirects one to pull @OhioStateWHKY even with the Badgers late!!#GoBucks#BTNStandout x @AutoOwnersIns pic.twitter.com/MfXBe50yV1
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) February 23, 2019
Wisconsin pressed on trying to regain the lead throughout the rest of the period, but the Badgers didn’t have an answer for Braendli and the teams went to overtime tied at 1-1.
Overtime
Ohio State controlled the puck for most of the OT period, and notched the lone SOG of the period for either team when Dunne fired one at UW goaltender Kirsten Campbell. It looked like the Buckeyes might get out of LaBahn with three points as Maltais clanged one off the pipe, but it was not meant to be as the teams went to a shootout to determine who claimed the second point in the standings.
Shootout
Braendli was a woman possessed in the OSU net, stopping Pankowski, Sophie Shirley and Roque, allowing Maltais to secure the shootout win when she slid one past Campbell. With the shootout win the Buckeyes clinched the No. 3 seed in the WCHA tournament, giving them home ice for the opening round next weekend.
Even after 52 saves and an incredible performance, Andrea Braendeli still had some more in her back pocket to spur the celebration tonight. 🙌#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/bfafMusPHI
— Ohio State Women's Hockey (@OhioStateWHKY) February 23, 2019
What’s Next?
The Buckeyes hit the ice tomorrow looking to escape Madison with five points. Puck drop for the regular season finale is set for 4:07 p.m. ET in LaBahn Arena.