Top-Ranked Buckeyes Host Golden Gophers in Women’s Hockey Showdown

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — A pivotal rematch awaits Saturday at Value City Arena as the Ohio State Buckeyes host the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Women’s NCAA Division I hockey clash just one day after securing a series-opening victory.

The Buckeyes (27-4-0) edged the Golden Gophers (24-6-1) 4-2 on Friday afternoon, extending their dominant season. Ohio State’s win probability for the Saturday contest is 66.2%, according to Interstat’s ELO system, which also projects a 5-4 final score.

Friday’s result highlighted the star power expected to be on display again. Ohio State defender Emma Peschel was instrumental, logging a goal, an assist and a game-high nine shots on goal. The junior has been a consistent force, tallying eight points in her last eight games.

Minnesota will look for a split behind forward Ava Lindsay, who had a goal and an assist in the loss. Lindsay has been prolific, amassing 15 points in her last eight contests, including a six-point weekend in mid-January.

The season series is knotted at 1-1-0, with Minnesota winning 6-3 in October before Friday’s Ohio State victory. The Buckeyes’ offense, which averages over four goals per game, will test a Minnesota defense that had been stout prior to conceding four goals in each of its last two road games.

Saturday’s matchup is the final regular-season meeting between the national title contenders. Both teams enter the final stretch before postseason play, with Ohio State seeking to solidify its top ranking and Minnesota aiming to prove it can topple the nation’s best on the road.

Puck drop is set for 4 p.m. EST.