Wisconsin men's hockey headcoach Mike Eaves has likened his team's current situation to being ""in a hole"" that they've ""stopped digging."" If they are to make headway upward, it will have to come against a strong team this weekend.
The Badgers (3-4-1 WCHA, 4-6-2 overall) will go skate-to-skate this weekend with No. 1/2 Minnesota (4-0-2, 8-1-2), a rising power in the ranks of college hockey.
While UW has fallen short in five of its last six games, the Gophers have been streaking themselves. Their ten game unbeaten streak (8-0-2) is the nation's best, and they have made Mariucci Arena an imposing place to play. Minnesota has not lost in its past 13 games at home, winning 12 of those contests.
It figures to be a challenging trip for the Badgers, who are looking to turn around their season against several top-rank opponents.
""They are always a big offensive team, an offensive threat that you always have to be worried about guys getting behind you,"" freshman defenseman Jamie McBain said of the Gophers, who are averaging an astounding 4.55 goals per game.
That prolific offensive attack is led by a freshman, Kyle Okposo, who has nine goals. Indeed, Minnesota has received a lot of its scoring punch from first-year players. Forward Jay Barriball, a freshman, is second on the team in goals (8) and points (15). The role of Minnesota's freshmen is something Badger players are well aware of as they head into the pivotal series.
""They have a lot of freshmen scoring and they have some skill guys,"" said UW sophomore forward Tom Gorowsky, who, like McBain, will be making a homecoming of sorts to his native state. ""If we just go out there and hit them right away and take them off of their game then that will slow them down.""
In addition to keeping the freshmen in check, the Badgers will also have to keep tabs on the WCHA's leading point man. Senior Tyler Hirsch has been filling up scoresheets with 17 points in the first 11 games.
In goal, UW senior Brian Elliott, who has lost three straight for only the second time in his career, may find himself opposed by one of two Gopher goalies who see playing time. Sophomore Jeff Frazee has started seven games (1.84 GAA), and senior Kellen Briggs has started four games (2.20 GAA).
Trying to rebound and establish some momentum, Eaves views a match-up with powerful Minnesota as a good thing for his team.
""It's always fun going into Mariucci,"" Eaves said earlier this week. ""And you know the kids will be ready to play.""
Eaves signs six
Eaves announced the signings of six elite recruits Thursday, including defenseman Ryan McDonagh, an Arden Hills, Minn. native, who tallied 45 points in 31 games last season at Cretin-Derham Hall High School.
