Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
The Daily Cardinal Est. 1892
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Eaves unhappy with Badgers' series results

Scott Gudmandson: Junior goalie Scott Gudmandson, along with junior goalie Bret Bennett, started a game against Colorado College last weekend.

Eaves unhappy with Badgers' series results

Following a tough opening weekend, men's hockey head coach Mike Eaves showed obvious disappointment during a news conference Monday.

After taking a 2-0 lead in the second period Friday night, the Badgers surrendered three goals to Colorado College, losing 3-2. Wisconsin then battled to a 1-1 tie the following evening. Eaves clearly expected more than one point to come out of the weekend.

""We very easily could have won [Saturday], and [Friday] was hard-fought,"" Eaves said.

However, Eaves did not seem particularly worried about this past weekend's performance affecting the rest of the Badgers' season, acknowledging that every season is a journey that usually has its rough patches.

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Daily Cardinal delivered to your inbox

Eaves also pointed out a few highlights from his team's play.

He was particularly impressed with the performance of his two goalies. Junior transfer Brett Bennett started for the Badgers Friday, compiling 23 saves, and junior Scott Gudmandson patrolled the crease for Wisconsin Saturday, stopping 31 shots.

""There was so much talk about our goaltenders [going into this weekend]. We saw two pretty good performances,"" Eaves said.

Additionally, the Badgers were forced to shuffle around the rest of the lineup because of injury issues this weekend.

Senior center Blake Geoffrion left in the first period of Friday's game with a concussion, and did not return to the match, nor did he play in Saturday's contest. Eaves reported Geoffrion is currently day-to-day. Another weekend without Geoffrion would certainly be a blow to the Badgers' lineup.

However, on the positive end of the injury report was the return of senior forward Ben Street. Street missed the majority of last season with a leg injury and was clearly eager to get back on the ice this year.

It didn't take long for him to make an impact either, as he scored the only Badger Saturday.

Eaves was excited to see Street back on the ice.

""[Street] looked like a guy who hadn't played in a year. [He] played strong, played determined,"" Eaves said.

This coming weekend the Badgers will travel to Minnesota State (2-2-0). Wisconsin has played the Mavericks only 34 times, the fewest of any WCHA foe.

The Badgers last faced off against Minnesota State in March during the WCHA playoffs, taking both games, 7-1 and 4-2.

However, Wisconsin knows it will be facing a tough test traveling to Mankato. In eight series at the Verizon Wireless Center, the Badgers have never swept Minnesota State and have only ever taken one series.

The arena doesn't even hold 5,000 spectators, but the small venue creates an intimidating atmosphere for any visiting team.

""It's a tough building to play in—we know that first-hand,"" Eaves said.

Although the season is young, the Badgers know they need to play a solid series this coming weekend, regardless of the venue, as they look to move up in the standings.

Support your local paper
Donate Today
The Daily Cardinal has been covering the University and Madison community since 1892. Please consider giving today.
Comments


Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Daily Cardinal