After a split series against the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines at Yost Ice Arena, the Wisconsin Badgers (7-1-2) return to the Kohl Center this weekend to play the Ohio State Buckeyes (4-4).
The Badgers started off slow Friday, falling 7-4 to the Wolverines. However, they came out strong the following night, leaving Michigan with a commanding 6-1 win. Senior defenseman Ben Dexheimer had a big night with a goal and two assists.
Wisconsin has historically struggled against Ohio State, having last played them in the Big Ten Quarterfinals where the Badgers lost two of the three games.
Ohio State will come to the Kohl Center after two close losses to No. 5 Penn State.
Although the Buckeyes have been struggling to find their rhythm so far this season, their defense and goaltending have been solid. Goaltender Kristoffer Eberly has proved to be an asset for the Buckeyes with an impressive save percentage of .930.
Wisconsin’s offense has been strong this year, converting 12% of their shots into goals and averaging over four goals per game.
The Badgers also convert well on their power plays with a .356 conversion rate, currently best in the NCAA, while also holding their opponents to just a .143 conversion rate. Wisconsin’s strong power play could prove pivotal against The Buckeyes, who have struggled to convert their man-advantage scoring with a .182 conversion rate.
Even though the Badgers have a strong defensive line, Buckeye forwards Félix Caron, Riley Thompson and Max Montes, who are responsible for about half of Ohio State’s goals this season, will be ones to watch.
The Badgers are off to a strong start and have momentum coming into this game. The Badgers will need to capitalize on that momentum and Ohio State’s inconsistencies to win.
Puck drops at 7 p.m. on Friday and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Kohl Center.
