The Wisconsin men's hockey team (1-5-0 WCHA, 5-9-0 overall) needs to get back on the winning track this weekend when they take on No. 10 Minnesota (4-2-2, 7-4-4) this weekend at the Kohl Center.
The Badgers, on a four game slide, need wins to add to their point total before a break.
\It's time that we step up and take it to the next level and get some wins and some momentum to carry us into the break,"" senior wing Brad Winchester said.
The rivalry between UW and Minnesota is one of the fiercest in college hockey and the players are excited to get underway.
""Everyone that has played here talks about the rivalry. For me it's a little more intense because I'm a Minnesota kid and I always want to beat the Gophers,"" junior defenseman Dan Boeser said.
Boeser will play in his second series since returning from a hand injury that he suffered against Alabama-Huntsville.
""It's a monkey off my back. To be back out there I had to chip off some of the rust last weekend, but it felt really good to be back out there with the guys,"" Boeser said.
One area the Badgers have had trouble in this season is scoring.
""It has been a tough stretch for us in terms of creating goals, but I think it will get better,"" Head Coach Mike Eaves said.
The Gophers are the opposite, averaging more than four goals per game. Minnesota is lead by freshman forward Thomas Vanek and junior forward Troy Riddle who have both double digits in goals and assists this season.
""The one thing that separates Minnesota is their defensemen coming up into the play, so we've really got to be aware of those guys picking up loose pucks and rebounds,"" Boeser said.
Another concern for UW is its power play. Wisconsin has a mere eight goals in 73 power play opportunities.
""The numbers are one thing. We'd be disappointed if we weren't getting some chances. We just have to continue to get those chances,"" Winchester said.
Wisconsin is striving for consistency in their play. They know that it is necessary to play tough every game to jump up in the standings. A win this weekend could set them on track to becoming strong competitors in the conference.
