Preseason Power Rankings: Previewing teams ranked No. 24-21

In-depth looks at Michigan Tech, UMass Lowell, Ohio State, and Northeastern

Continuing my preseason power rankings, looking at the teams I have ranked No. 36-33. Today’s newsletter (#593) has storylines, analysis, and a bold prediction for each of the following teams:

• Michigan Tech (CCHA)

• UMass Lowell (HEA)

• Northeastern (HEA)

• Ohio State (B10)

Remember, you’ll be able to keep track of ALL of our rankings by using this page:

The page will be updated with national and league-by-league rankings as more teams are released.

(24) Ohio State

Storylines

• Ohio State qualified for its second NCAA Tournament in three seasons last year, posting a 24-14-2 record. The Buckeyes nearly won the Big Ten, falling to Michigan State in double overtime. The Buckeyes were blitzed by BU, 8-3, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

• In staffing moves, Ohio State promoted JB Bittner to associate head coach over the offseason.

Analysis

Ohio State is bringing back some serious juice up front. The Buckeyes’ forward group has top-end talent that can hang with anyone in the Big Ten. Riley Thompson, Davis Burnside, and Max Montes form a dangerous trio. Add in highly touted recruits Landen Gunderson and Niall Crocker — both with the tools to jump straight into top-six roles as freshmen — and it looks like the Buckeyes will be able to roll four lines with some confidence.

Between the pipes, stability is back in the form of Kristoffer Eberly. The junior netminder quietly put up a .915 save percentage in 17 appearances last season, and with Logan Terness off to graduation, the crease is his to lose.