Big Ten Tournament Recap (March 8)

The first night of the 2024 Big Ten Hockey Tournament produced an upset, a high-scoring affair and a record turnout as the best-of-three quarterfinal series commenced on campus sites.

MADISON, Wis. — No. 7 seed Ohio State scored a pair of third-period goals to knock off No. 2 seed Wisconsin before 8,873 fans at the Kohl Center, the largest crowd ever for a Big Ten quarterfinal game.

OSU's Max Montes bookended goals at the 2:21 and 18:13 marks of the third as the Buckeyes (13-18-4) finished with 22 blocked shots. William Whitelaw provided the lone tally for the 5th/6th-ranked Badgers (25-10-2).

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — No. 4 seed Michigan overcame a two-goal deficit with three third-period goals to pullout a 5-4 thriller over No. 5 seed Notre Dame at Yost Ice Arena.

The Wolverines (19-13-3) outshot the Irish (15-18-2) 20-4 in the opening period. Seamus Casey turned in four assists and Rutger McGroarty scored twice for Michigan while Drew Bavaro compiled two goals and three points for Notre Dame. Michigan finished with 39 shots and 3-for-5 on the power play.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — No. 3 seed Minnesota broke open a 1-1 tie with four answered goals to post a 5-1 win over No. 6 seed Penn State.

Eleven Minnesota players recorded points in the game, including Rhett Pitlick, who scored twice to raise his season total to 19.

The Nittany Lions (15-17-3) and Gophers (21-9-5) were whistled for just two penalties each.