When the Wisconsin men's hockey team (6-0-2 WCHA, 7-1-2 overall) takes the ice Saturday in the opener of a weekend series against conference opponent Minnesota State (2-6-2, 2-4-2 WCHA), it will do so without the services of its captain.
Senior Adam Burish will serve a one-game disqualification because of his hit on Colorado College junior left wing Scott Thauwald late in the third period Saturday night.
With merely seconds remaining and the Badgers holding a comfortable 3-0 lead, junior forward Robbie Earl made a break on a loose puck. Thauwald was in pursuit as well. Burish saw a potential hit on his fellow lineman and leveled Thauwald just as the Colorado College player was easing up in his chase.
Thauwald did not see Burish and could not brace for the blow, which resulted in a five minute major and suspension.
'Adam did not, in any form or factor, go over there to run that young man,' head coach Mike Eaves said Monday at a weekly press conference. 'He was trying to shield his teammate. Unfortunately, Scotty didn't brace himself. He let up, contact was made and he hurt himself.
'I saw it from the bench. I know exactly where Adam's mind was, because I've seen it a thousand times in games before.'
Change it up
The Badgers, for the only time during the regular season, will play a Saturday-Sunday series this weekend at the Kohl Center. Eaves has altered the practice schedule, such that the team has a day off today and will reconvene for practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Eaves was asked whether the late game Sunday night would have a negative effect on the team with regard to rest and practice time next week.
'I don't think so,' he said. 'Actually, I quite enjoy the change. It's absolutely good right now. I think it's a good change of pace for getting into the season. I think a little change of pace is good for the kids.'
Praise for Gilbert
Eaves spoke glowingly Monday about the play of senior Tom Gilbert. The defenseman ranks first on the team in plus/minus rating (+10), and is a surprising third on the team in points (8).
'With Tommy Gilbert, you get the whole package,' Eaves said. 'Right now he's as good a package in the WCHA as there is.'
Movin' on up
Analysts evidently took note of the Badgers' strong performance this weekend against the No. 1 team in the country. Both USCHO.com and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine listed UW as No. 2 in their respective polls, released Monday. The Badgers are riding an eight game unbeaten streak (6-0-2).
