Trailing Ohio State this past weekend, the Wisconsin women's hockey team's unbeaten streak was on the line. The Badgers had just been stunned by two second-period Buckeye goals to give Ohio State a 2-1 advantage heading into the third period.
On the bench I was talking to the players trying to get them to shoot because we went probably 12 or 13 minutes where nobody had a shot on net,"" Wisconsin head coach Mark Johnson said.
Eventually, it was senior forward Jinelle Zaugg who shot the puck, and freshman forward Mallory Deluce was there to knock home the rebound with seven minutes left in the third period to salvage a 2-2 tie.
Overall, Johnson was pleased that Wisconsin responded to the challenge of trailing in a game for the first time since Feb. 9, 2007, also against Ohio State.
""I was happy with the challenge that was presented to this group because it's early in the year. We talked about it in between the second and third period: 'Here's the challenge now. We got an obstacle, we're down a goal, we've played pretty well other than a two minute lapse at the end of the second period, so what are we going to do about it? Here's a character builder right now,'"" Johnson said.
For the past 32 games, it has been exactly like that for Wisconsin. When it has needed a player to score, someone has stepped up. As a result, the Badgers set an NCAA record this past weekend for consecutive games unbeaten.
While he considers the idea and mentioning of records distractions, Johnson does acknowledge the positive connotation the streak brings.
""That's a good reflection on our program and that means we're doing something right,"" he said.
Wisconsin plays at St. Cloud State this weekend. The Huskies tied and beat then-No. 6 Minnesota this past weekend. This could present a problem for Wisconsin, which tied St. Cloud State twice last season, along with another overtime game in which the Badgers won.
*Vetter goes for record*
A record is in the process of being set. This one is an individual accolade. Junior goalie Jessie Vetter is currently tied for Wisconsin's career shutout record with former Badger Christine Dufour. Like Johnson, records do not concern Vetter, she is more concerned with the team's performance.
""I would like to break it because that would probably mean that we got a victory out of that,"" she said. ""It's all fun and games with that record.""
Vetter, who is the full-time starter for the first time in her career, believes being the lone starter will maximize her performance.
""I feel like I'm more consistent because I don't have that day off and hopefully it works out the rest of the season,"" she said.
While she allowed two goals against Ohio State this weekend, both were difficult plays set up by one of the top players in college hockey, senior defenseman Tessa Bonhomme, which resulted in one-time opportunities for the Buckeyes.
""Jessie is fine. She's going to carry the load here for awhile and I think she's ready and certainly has earned that position and just has to mentally focus in and do the things she's capable of doing,"" Johnson said.
*Zaugg*
Senior forward Jinelle Zaugg has taken on a playmaker role early this season, and now has two goals and five assists. This is a stark contrast to her usual goal-biased numbers. In the third period of Sunday's 2-2 tie, Zaugg seemed in constant search of the puck. Her shot on the net allowed for Deluce's goal to tie the game.
""We don't lose to Ohio [State]. I am one that will be the first to make sure that does not happen,"" Zaugg said.
The assistant captain also recorded Wisconsin's first goal of the game.
""It looked like a soccer game out there and then it's like somebody needs to step up, somebody needs to make a play or you're going to lose 2-1. To see Jinelle do that is a good sign because, at that point, they're certainly in a position to do more so than your younger players,"" Johnson said.
Zaugg now has 67 career goals, and is 17 short of former Badger Meghan Hunter's record of 84.
