Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
The Daily Cardinal Est. 1892
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Badgers return home with chance to pick up points

Derek Stepan: Sophomore forward Derek Stepan, who has one goal and six assists this season, is looking to build off last weekend.

Badgers return home with chance to pick up points

After a week out of league play, the No. 16 Wisconsin men's hockey team jumps back into WCHA action this weekend with a home series against the Michigan Tech Huskies. After splitting series the last two weekends, the Badgers (5-4-1 WCHA, 8-5-1 overall) look to gain ground in the conference standings, with four points up for grabs. The Huskies come to Madison with a record of 3-9-0 (2-8-0 WCHA) and find themselves in the basement of the league.

However, no one on the Badgers side should take the Huskies lightly. Head coach Mike Eaves reminded his team that they missed the NCAA tournament by .02 points last year and that one or two wins could have been the difference. Eaves also talked about the team speed that Tech possesses, a dangerous weapon that can always make a difference.

""The key to playing against any team that has speed is moving the puck,"" he said. ""Nobody skates as fast as the puck being passed.""

The Badgers can also find some motivation after a tough outcome last Saturday during the College Hockey Showcase. Michigan scored two goals on special teams (one power-play, one short-handed) and pulled out a hard-fought 3-2 victory. Sophomore forward Derek Stepan said the team feels they have something to prove after failing to complete the sweep last weekend.

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

""You can ask all 28 guys in our locker room,"" he said. ""We're all excited to get back on the ice. We feel like we came up a little bit short against Michigan, and we're chomping at the bit to get back into game action.""

Stepan had a breakout weekend during the Showcase, tallying six points on two goals and four assists. After a slow start to the season, the explosive sophomore racked up five points Friday against Michigan State, a performance his coach attributes to playing with a ""physical edge.""

Stepan's line mate, senior forward Michael Davies, provided scoring as well, notching two goals and two assists against the Spartans.

However, the third forward of the line, sophomore Jordy Murray, may miss the weekend because of an injury. But senior forward Aaron Bendickson has fit right in, according to Stepan.

""The chemistry our line has and the way we've produced the last couple of weeks is exactly where we need it, and we need to continue that and play hard,"" he said.

While the offense continues to play well together and produce scoring chances, the defense has gotten consistent play between the pipes from both goaltenders. Junior Scott Gudmandson currently ranks sixth in goals-against average at 1.82 per game. Neither he nor junior Brett Bennett have faced many shots so far, as Wisconsin has held opponents to just 23.29 shots per game. Bennett, who is slated to start Friday night, said facing so few shots is a challenge mentally.

""It's definitely much harder to see 13, 14 shots instead of thirty or 35,"" he said.

After two weekends of travel and play in three different cities, Bennett mentioned that being back in the friendly confines of the Kohl Center will be a boost for the team.

""It's good to be back in Madison, and we're looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd.""

The puck is set to drop at 7:05 p.m. both Friday and Saturday night.

 

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