COLUMBUS, Ohio (Interstat) — The top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, riding a dominant 34-4-1 season, will host the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs at Value City Arena on Saturday in a Women’s NCAA Division I hockey matchup that pits the nation’s elite against a battle-tested opponent.

Ohio State, the consensus national title favorite, enters on a five-game winning streak. Their most recent result was a 2-1 road victory over then-Wisconsin on March 8. The Buckeyes have been nearly untouchable since early January, with their only loss in that span coming at Wisconsin on Feb. 8.

The Bulldogs (21-14-3) present a formidable challenge, despite recent struggles. Minnesota-Duluth is looking to rebound from a 1-0 shutout loss at Yale on Thursday. Prior to that, the Bulldogs had won three of four, including a road sweep of then-Minnesota on Feb. 20-21.

A key matchup will feature two of the nation’s top forwards. For Ohio State, junior center Jocelyn Amos has been a driving force. In her last five games, Amos has tallied two goals and seven assists, including a three-point performance in a 4-0 rout of Minnesota on March 5.

Minnesota-Duluth will counter with star center Caitlin Kraemer, who leads her team’s offensive efforts. Kraemer registered a goal and an assist in the upset at Minnesota and fired eight shots on goal in the loss to Yale. Containing her will be a priority for the Buckeyes’ defense.

Recent history heavily favors Ohio State. The Buckeyes have won all four meetings against the Bulldogs this season and last season, outscoring them 16-5. In the most recent series in Columbus on Jan. 30-31, Ohio State earned 6-2 and 3-1 victories.

The statistical projection underscores the challenge ahead for the visitors. Interstat’s game simulator predicts a 7-2 victory for the Buckeyes.

Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. EDT Saturday at Value City Arena. The game is a critical final regular-season test for Ohio State as it prepares for the postseason, while Minnesota-Duluth seeks a statement win to bolster its playoff resume.