ND takes on CCHA rival OSU
By MATT OLIVA
Sports Writer
The Notre Dame hockey team faces Ohio State (4-12-2 in the CCHA) this weekend with an opportunity to move up in CCHA standings.
After climbing in recent weeks with impressive wins over Western Michigan and Alaska-Fairbanks, the Irish find themselves in sole possession of fifth place, four points out of third place.
The Irish are trying to secure a crucial top-three spot in the playoffs, which would allow them to avoid a 4-5 match-up for the last semi-finalist place. Ohio State comes into the series winners of seven of the last 10 match-ups against Notre Dame.
The Buckeyes are also fighting for the final playoff spot, trailing Bowling Green by four points. Every game for the remainder of the season is crucial to the two teams.
Despite Notre Dame's 0-4 start in the CCHA, they have been on a roll. Recently they have gone 8-3-5 to climb into their current fifth position.
Notre Dame has also seen several key players step to the front during the stretch run. David Inman has scored a team-leading 11 goals and Dan Carlson has added 10 goals of his own. Of Carlson's 10 goals, three have been recorded as game-winners. Carlson also shares the team lead in points with senior Joe Dusbabek. The pair have 20 points apiece, which places them in a tie for 19th in the CCHA.
Offense has not been the Irish strength, however. The defense and play of goaltender Tony Zasowski has been reliable for the team all season. Furthermore, the Irish are the CCHA's least penalized team, making it easier for the defense to shut down their opponents. The defense has been so impressive in recent weeks that they were able to stop Western Michigan's high-powered power-play team. Not only did they stop the Broncos, but limited them to only one shot on goal in the last period.
The defense has added some scoring from Tyson Fraser and Evan Nielsen in addition to stopping their opponents. The two have nine points, helping the Irish offensive cause.
One of the biggest contributors for the Irish has been freshman Tony Zasowski. The goaltender ranks 6th overall in the CCHA with a 2.35 GAA.
Notre Dame will look to keep a strong combination of offense and defense in their remaining eight CCHA games to move in on Michigan State and Lake Superior State. The Spartans have been struggling lately and will be Notre Dame's opponent in the first weekend of March.
The Irish will play in Ohio State's new Schottenstein Center for the first time ever tonight.
All Sports Stories for Friday, February 4, 2000
