Sports
Ohio Hockey Drops Another Game in Illinois
By: Max McDulin
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Ohio Bobcats hockey fell to the Illinois Fighting Illini in Champagne, Illinois, on Friday night 2-0. After starting the year off very hot by reeling off eight straight wins and rising to the No.1 ranking in the AHCA, Ohio has now dropped three straight.
There were plenty of opportunities to be had for Ohio as they took a total of 42 shots, but not a single one found the back of the net. On the other hand Illinois took far less shots, 27 to be exact, with two of those lighting up the siren.
The Illini scored their first goal off of a power play with 1:06 left in the first period. As the defense tried to man up in that final minute plus it looked the Bobcats might escape to the second period unscathed. However that would not come to pass as with only three seconds left in the period Illinois was able to convert on the power play to go up 1-0.
The second period was far less eventful than the first, resulting in no goals. Ohio continued to rack up shot opportunities, but none resulted in a score. While one goal would have been enough, Illinois was able to add a little insurance with a goal early in the third. Leading 2-0 with 15:58 to go, the Illini never looked back.
While the Bobcats still had plenty of opportunities for the remainder of the game, they were just never able to convert.
The Bobcats will once again matchup with Illinois Saturday in Champagne to try and slow the current slide and come out with a split. Following the weekend’s series the ‘Cats will take a trip to Lynchburg, Virginia, for a series against Liberty.