After following up last year’s national championship with another dominant regular season, the target on the back of Wisconsin women’s hockey has grown incredibly large as the program heads into the postseason.
The Badgers have held the No. 1 ranking in the USA Hockey Women’s Poll all season and posted an outstanding 29-3-2 overall record. Even more impressive, they maintained their dominance over the past four weeks while five players, including captain Caroline Harvey, were away competing in the Olympics. The so-called B-squad not only held their own but secured the WCHA regular season championship, beating Ohio State by a mere point in the standings.
That four week stretch proved Wisconsin’s depth, but repeating as national champions presents a different challenge entirely.
Ohio State, last year’s runner-up, has remained the firm No. 2 team in the nation. The Buckeyes’ physical style and offensive depth challenged Wisconsin all season, leading to one of the Badgers losses at home just three weeks ago.
For Wisconsin to capture a ninth championship, its success will likely rest on the performance of three key players: goalie Ava McNaughton, forward Lacey Eden and defender Harvey.
McNaughton has been the backbone of Wisconsin's defense this season. In 25 games, she has posted a .939 save average and secured nine shutouts, surpassing her total last season. She reached a season-high 35 saves against Ohio State in December, something the Badgers will need in their playoff run.
Eden has certainly cemented her legacy in Wisconsin after achieving 100 career goals last week against St. Cloud State. Eden totaled 27 goals and 41 assists this season. She’s able to win faceoffs and force turnovers in the neutral zone, making her a tough opponent for any playoff matchup. Beyond her leadership on the ice, Eden stepped up as captain during the Olympic stretch.
“If you watched all eight games we played, you know she was our best player,” Wisconsin head coach Mark Johnson said.
Harvey, meanwhile, has continued to elevate her game, not just in collegiate hockey but in her time in the Olympics. After winning tournament MVP as a part of Team USA, Harvey returns to the Badgers as one of the most dynamic defenders in the world. She contributed 17 goals and 37 assists in the regular season campaign. Her skating abilities leave opponents gasping, and the projected No. 1 PWHL draft pick knows how to get the puck in the right spot and the right time. Still, Wisconsin’s championship hopes won’t depend on star power alone.
Wisconsin’s depth has been one of its greatest strengths, particularly on the blue line. Alongside Harvey, defenders Laney Potter and Vivian Jungles stepped into larger roles during the Olympic stretch, anchoring the defensive unit. That added experience could prove crucial in the postseason, where Wisconsin may face high-powered offenses like Ohio State and Minnesota.
Wisconsin’s depth extends beyond defense. Offensively, the Badgers boast the WCHA’s top scorer in Eden. Playmakers like Simms and Hall provide additional scoring threats. As a team Wisconsin has scored 138 goals, 21 more than Ohio State, highlighting its ability to generate offense across multiple lines. That balanced scoring could be a deciding factor in the NCAA Tournament, where depth often separates champions from everyone else.
While the Badgers have proved why they have been the sport’s best team all regular season, the margin for error in the WCHA playoffs and NCAA tournament is slim. Increased pressure and opponents hungry to snatch Wisconsin’s title hopes will create a whole new environment than the regular season.
