The Wisconsin men's hockey team was making a strong push towards the top of the WCHA standings. But after being swept by Denver over the weekend at the Kohl Center, the Badgers find themselves in 4th place in the league, 1-point behind 3rd place Colorado College.
Wisconsin led 3-2 against Denver on Friday night, but the Pioneers scored the tying goal with :15 left in the game before scoring the game winner in overtime. The Badgers then fell behind early on Saturday and never had it, falling to Denver 5-0. Denver improved to 13-2-2 at the Kohl Center since it opened for hockey in the 1998-99 season.
The Badgers (16-13-3 overall, 13-9-2 WCHA) have four games remaining in regular season league play, before the start of the WCHA playoffs. The regular season title is still a possible, but not likely. The Badgers must now focus their goal on the top 3, which would avoid a play-in game at the WCHA's final five in St. Paul.
The Badgers will have to get their goaltender going again. Shane Connelly allowed the game tying and game winning goals in the Denver game Friday, then was pulled after 1-period and a 3-0 deficit on Saturday. If the Badgers are going to have some success in the post season and have a chance to get into the NCAA Tournament, they'll need Connelly to rebound strong.
Mike Eaves Badgers play two on the road and then close out at home against North Dakota. Wisconsin has a 2-game weekend series at Minnesota State-Mankato this Friday and Saturday. Wisconsin hasn't had much luck with the Mavericks. The Badgers have never swept Minnesota State on the road and are 4-8-2 there all-time.
Listen / Download – Mike Eaves on what's their goal now? :21
Listen / Download – Mike Eaves asked how they get their edge back :16