No. 5 Ohio (13-3-5) returns home to Bird Arena this weekend, where it’ll host No. 19 Syracuse (13-6-2). The Bobcats are in need of two wins after they were swept by league rival Robert Morris-Illinois last week.
Game information
Opponent: Syracuse
Puck drop: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: Bird Arena
How to watch: Bobcat productions presents Ohio hockey via Facebook
Meet the opponent
Top point scorers
35 Peter Owen Hayward (19 goals, 16 assists)
20 Ford Hatchett (two goals, 18 assists)
18 Owen Herrington (seven goals, 11 assists)
Goalie play
31 Jake Kahler (9-3, 2.85 goals against average, .906 save percentage)
37 Michael Cuozzo (4-3, 3.41 goals against average, .892 save percentage)
Penalty minutes
17 Peter Owen Hayward (43)
3 Stephen Bressi (40)
15 Connor Preston (34)
Last match up
Ohio last played Syracuse on Oct. 17 and 18, 2014 at home. The Bobcats swept the Orange by a combined 6-1 score. Nathan De La Torre led the Bobcats in total points on the weekend with four (three goals, one assist).
Three stars to watch
Aggressive offense: Despite scoring six goals last weekend against Robert Morris-Illinois, Ohio will look to further ramp up its offensive efforts early in the game. If they play aggressive early, the Bobcats – on paper – outmatch the Orange and could potentially put up another impressive offensive performance like they did against Pitt.
Crisp special teams: The Bobcats scored two power play goals on the road, but it also let in a short-handed goal. Ohio’s power play has been operating at a 32.29 percent. Syracuse’s penalty kill unit has operated at a 83.5 percent this season.
Comfortability: After a disappointing weekend on the road, Ohio is welcomed back to Bird Arena and has the opportunity to play in front two sellout crowds because of Ohio University’s annual Sib’s Weekend.
