The Spartans (20-8-3, 14-5-2 B1G) saw its lead in the Big Ten standings shrink to one point, as the loss combined with a Wisconsin win at Penn State puts the Badgers with 45 points. The two teams are assured to finish in the top two spots in the standings with a series on tap for next weekend in Madison.
Ohio State blocked 26 shots in addition to the 34 saves by goaltender Logan Terness – the most blocked shots by a Big Ten opponent against the Spartans this season. Freshman Sam Deckhut had his first two career goals for the Buckeyes (12-15-4, 4-15-2), who won their third straight Big Ten game and first on the road in B1G play. Ohio State matched its season high for goals in a game this season and won its third straight conference game after beginning the B1G season 1-15-2. The Buckeyes were also 2-for-5 on the power play. 
The teams complete their four-game season series on Saturday in a 6 pm puck drop at Munn Ice Arena. The Spartans will honor their six-man senior class (captain Nash Nienhuis, alternate captain Nicolas Müller, James Crossman, Jeremy Davidson, Reed Lebster, Jon Mor) and senior student manager Sam Rozema in a ceremony involving the Spartan hockey alumni at the conclusion of Saturday’s game.
