Some of the best teams in the nation will come to the Kohl Center this weekend as Madison hosts the College Hockey Showcase. The Wisconsin men's hockey team (1-5-0 Western Collegiate Hockey Association, 5-7-0 overall) meets non conference rivals Michigan and Michigan State, both of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.
Wisconsin is hoping to bounce back from a weekend in which it was swept by the Fighting Sioux of North Dakota (5-1, 11-1). The two losses to the Sioux leave Wisconsin winless against ranked teams.
This trend will need to be reversed Friday night as the No. 8 Michigan Wolverines (6-1-1 CCHA, 9-2-1 overall) will open the weekend against UW.
\Against the ranked teams we're not being obliterated off the screen, but we haven't won any of them,"" UW Head Coach Mike Eaves said. ""We're not that far away from being competitive.""
A deep unit of forwards, which includes freshman Jeff Tambellini, the team leader in goals, highlights the Wolverine attack. Sophomores Eric Nystrom and Dwight Helminen also provide a consistent threat that could cause problems for the Badger defense, which will sometimes succumb to strong offensive pressure.
""I know that we do have a bad history with Michigan,"" UW freshman defender Tom Gilbert said. ""Obviously they're a good offensive team.""
Michigan's freshman goalie Al Montoya provides the security in net. Montoya has the second best goals against average in the CCHA in only his rookie year. Wisconsin's offense will need to find and maintain a rhythm in order to get by the Wolverine defenders and put the puck in the net.
Saturday the Badgers will go against the Spartans of Michigan State (3-4-0, 5-6-0), who are off to their worst start in over two decades. Though not boasting impressive statistics or a strong record, the Spartans put together a game that is not to be taken lightly.
""I think they're in a little bit of a flux right now in terms of finding themselves with their new coach,"" Eaves said.
The Spartans are ranked in the middle of most categories in their conference, but are not without their strengths. Michigan State features a power play unit that has scored 27 percent of the time. The man advantage has been especially beneficial for senior defenseman Brad Fast, who is among the CCHA leaders in power play goals.
The Badgers' main goal this weekend will be to propel themselves back into the national spotlight with a weekend sweep. One which includes a victory over a top 10 team. A triumphant weekend for UW will regain them a winning record and provide some much-needed confidence.
""What's frustrating is that we can be very competitive with teams and then the next night not be there. Or the first night not be there and the next night show up,"" Eaves said. ""That's a maturity issue and that's something we're going to hold the kids accountable to.""
A dominant performance against Michigan will also be noticed by the Minnesota Golden Gophers, the fourth team in the showcase this weekend. Though not crossing paths with the Badgers this Thanksgiving holiday, Minnesota will return to the Kohl Center the following week for a pivotal league series.
Wisconsin faces Michigan Friday and Michigan State University Saturday. Both of the games start at 7:05 p.m.
