The Ohio State men’s ice hockey team has encountered significant difficulties in the Big Ten conference this season, leading to a notable decline in their ranking.
Of particular concern is the team’s penalty kill, which has experienced a sharp drop in performance. In the previous season, the Buckeyes boasted an exceptional penalty kill, ranking first in collegiate hockey with an 88.7% success rate. However, the current season has seen a considerable decrease, with their penalty kill now ranked at 75.6%, placing them 50th out of 60 teams nationally.
Head coach Steve Rohlik has attributed this decline to the substantial turnover in the team’s players, specifically in the defensive and goaltending areas. Rohlik has expressed confidence in the team’s potential for improvement, asserting that they possess the necessary talent to reverse their current trajectory.
A significant factor in their struggles has been the departure of assistant coach Luke Strand, who played a pivotal role in the team’s top-ranked penalty kill last season. Since his departure, the Buckeyes have conceded seven goals in the seven games following the mid-season break.
Despite these challenges, junior forward Caden Brown remains positive about the team’s ability to enhance their penalty-killing performance. Brown has emphasized the team’s diligence and preparation, underscoring their intelligence and adaptability.
Looking ahead, the Buckeyes are set to compete against the Penn State Nittany Lions, presenting an opportunity for them to rejuvenate their penalty kill, as Penn State ranks last in the Big Ten on the power play. However, they will face more challenging opposition in the subsequent series against Michigan and Michigan State, both of which have strong power-play percentages.
The outcome of these forthcoming series will gauge the team’s progress and improvement. The team’s matches against Penn State are scheduled to be streamed live on Big Ten Plus, affording fans the opportunity to witness their performance firsthand.
In conclusion, the Ohio State men’s ice hockey team is resolute in their determination to overcome their adversities in Big Ten play, particularly in the enhancement of their penalty kill. With the appropriate mindset and preparation, they aspire to transcend their current challenges and regain their competitive standing in collegiate hockey.