The top of the Big Ten standings continue to tighten after the Gophers fell 5-1 to Ohio State on Friday in Columbus. The 11th-ranked Buckeyes (15-5-1, 8-3 Big Ten) scored the game’s first four goals before Sam Rinzel finally found the back of the net for the U in the latter stages of the third period. It was the sophomore defenseman’s 10th goal of the season. Ohio State led 2-0 through two frames and scored two power-play goals exactly one minute apart early in the third after a game misconduct penalty committed by Brodie Ziemer — who was making his return to action for the U after winning gold with the U.S. at the world junior championship — to effectively put the game on ice and move within a half game of Minnesota for second place in the Big Ten. The Gophers are now winless in three consecutive Big Ten bouts. “We didn’t like our team tonight, and it started when our alarm clocks went off this morning,” Minnesota coach Bob Motzko said, according to a press release from the team. “We did not have the mentality to fight. Now we had moments to get back into it, but we have to be better and come with much more energy to play the game.” Minnesota (17-4-2, 8-2-1) entered the day tied with Michigan State atop the conference standings. The Spartans were on the road Friday in Penn State. The third-ranked Gophers equaled the Buckeyes’ 30 shots. But Ohio State netminder Kristoffer Eberly made 29 saves, including 13 in the second. The two teams will meet again Saturday in Columbus, with puck drop set for 5:30 p.m. Related Articles College Sports | Mercyhurst proves to be no trouble for Gophers College Sports | Former Gopher, Olympian Len Lilyholm dies in car crash College Sports | World Juniors 2026 tickets go on sale Dec. 26 College Sports | Men’s hockey: Gophers allow four goals in third in 5-3 loss to Michigan State College Sports | Men’s hockey: No. 1 Gophers and No. 2 Spartans skate to 3-3 tie