The next time the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team returns to the Kohl Center, a whole lot more will be known about the team's prospects for success this year.
After having played their last three series in Madison the Badgers (2-2-0 WCHA, 5-3-0 overall), will hit the road for four games against three imposing opponents, beginning with a series against No. 7 Colorado College this weekend.
Wisconsin - ranked No. 9 by USCHO.com and No. 10 in the USA Today poll - hasn't set its skates on hostile ice since their season-opening appearance at the Lefty McFadden Tournament in Dayton, Ohio. Even those two games against Notre Dame and Ohio State, have been put in the neutral column. In effect, these will be the Badgers' first official road"" games of the year.
But by no means will they come easy, statistically speaking.
Colorado College will be trying to prolong a three-game winning streak, remain undefeated at home and stay atop the Western Collegiate Hockey Association standings.
At Colorado Springs World Arena, the Tigers have been a portrait of perfection, winning all four games played at home. Colorado College (5-1-0, 5-3-0) has a hold on first place in the conference largely because of its success at home.
Yet if any team has shown the ability to win at World Arena, it's the Badgers. Since the venue opened 10 years ago, the Badgers have gone 8-7-1, a record that includes three sweeps. Last season's trip, though, was not one to remember; the Badgers were swept in early February.
Even though it is a new year, UW head coach Mike Eaves spoke highly of his next opponent.
""They've always come to the ice with good skill and speed,"" he said. ""That's been their game.""
For the second straight week, the Badgers will have an opportunity to gauge their offense against a league-leading goaltender. Upstart freshman and WCHA Rookie of the Week Richard Bachman leads all goalies in the league with a 1.19 goals against average, a 96.2 save percentage and an undefeated record (5-0-0) in league play.
Eaves acknowledged Bachman's success and pointed out a new trend in Colorado College hockey this year.
""From what people have said, they're playing with a little more grit, which was something ... if you were talking about C.C. teams, that wasn't a word that you would use,"" he said. ""But apparently that's something that people are throwing around now.""
On offense, sophomore Bill Sweatt leads Colorado College with who ten points (4 goals, 6 assists). Sweatt and junior Eric Walsky are both tied for the team lead in goals.
One point of interest when the teams face off this weekend will be special teams. The Badgers have a power play conversion rate of 30 percent, second in the nation. During their last three games, the Tigers have killed all 10 opportunities for the opposing offense and 25 of 27 overall in the conference.
Facing a first-place team for the second time in three weeks, Eaves knows what's in store for his team Friday and Saturday.
""They're playing well,"" he said of Colorado College, ""and it'll be a real stiff test for our kids."" Game times are scheduled for 8:30 p.m. CDT Friday and 8:00 p.m. CDT Saturday.
