The 11th-ranked Buckeyes (15-5-1, 8-3 Big Ten) scored the game’s first four goals before Sam Rinzel finally found the back of the net for the U in the latter stages of the third period. It was the sophomore defenseman’s 10th goal of the season.

Mercyhurst update: The Lakers (2-15-3) rank 64th out of 64 Division I teams in the PairWise rankings used to determine the NCAA tournament field. “This is a very important series for us,” Gophers senior captain Aaron Huglen said. “We’re going to handle it like any other team. It’s going to be a good challenge for us.”

T he #3 ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s hockey team will hit the road for the first time since mid-November when they travel to Columbus, Ohio to face the #11 ranked Ohio