Minnesota’s hopes of winning a WCHA Final Faceoff continue after a tough, hard fought 2-0 victory over Ohio State. 

This was the fifth time these two teams matched up and the first time Minnesota came out ahead. 

No. 7 Minnesota (23-10-3)beat No. 5 Ohio State  (24-9-4) 2-0 on Saturday night at Ridder Arena in the WCHA Final Faceoff. Freshman Grace Zumwinkle’s goal in the second period turned out to be the game winner. She added an empty-net goal with a minute left to seal the game. Senior Sidney Peters ended the game with 33 saves and a shutout victory. 

Ohio State sent a flurry of 16 shots towards Peters late in the third period, but that was not enough. When the Buckeyes’ freshman goaltender Amanda Zeglen was pulled, Ohio State could not tie the game up at one. Zumwinkle stole a pass and went end to end for her empty-net goal and the game sealing goal. 

Zumwinkle broke a scoreless tie 2:26 into the second period. The Buckeyes turned the puck over in the neutral zone and the puck landed on Olivia Knowles stick. From there, Zumwinkle received the puck and her shot ended up going through the legs of Zeglen. 

Ohio State created chances late in the second period, with a multitude of shots around the net, but Peters and the Minnesota defense kept the Buckeyes out. Peters ended the period with 16 saves. 

The first period ended scoreless. Ohio State began the game with a 2 on 1 rush that ended in junior forward Charly Dahlquist’s goal being overturned because she ran into Peters and dislodged the net. 

Freshman Tatum Skaggs had a breakaway opportunity five minutes into the period that hit of the post. 

The Gophers will face Wisconsin tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Ridder Arena to decide the WCHA Final Faceoff champion.