Heading into Thursday, the Ohio State hockey team felt very confident that they were going to be able to take on Boston University and win. That was who they drew in the first round of the tournament. After having a solid season, they thought they could get to the Frozen Four.
With the first round of the tournament being in Toledo, they also felt that they had a home-ice advantage of sorts with the game being there. They were favored to beat Boston, and they had a lot of confidence coming into the game. Unfortunately, that confidence didn't lead to good play.
The Buckeyes got waxed, losing 8-3. It culminated in a horrible third period that saw Boston score six goals, including five of five shots. Ohio State actually had a 3-2 lead before the period started. It was an incredibly disappointing goalie performance that ended their season.
Ohio State hockey team gets crushed in the NCAA Tournament
The worst part of it was the fact that Boston scored two short-handed goals in the final period, as well. Not only could the Buckeyes not play well at even strength, but they couldn't play well while on the powerplay either. It was a complete failure at the worst possible time.
Ohio State will end their season bitterly disappointed. They were expecting to make a run to the Frozen Four. They had the talent, it just all didn't come together at the right time. Now, they have to try to regroup in the offseason while they lose some solid seniors.
Both the men and the women are now finished with their hockey seasons. The women lost the national title in excruciating fashion, and now the men have been bounced in the first round. Hopefully, next year is more positive for both programs.