After getting off to a 3-0-1 start in which it outscored its opponents 21-7, many expected the Wisconsin women’s hockey team (1-3-2-2 WCHA, 3-3-2 overall) to continue its run of dominance in the sport.
A recent 0-3-1 skid, the team’s worst such stretch since the 2001-’02 season, has head coach Mark Johnson and his bunch at a crossroads heading into a weekend series with New Hampshire (1-2 Hockey East, 3-2 overall).
Playing last weekend at the grand opener in their new LaBahn Arena, the Badgers were stunned by a 1-0 loss to a Bemidji State team (1-2-1 WCHA, 2-3-1 overall) that had only one win coming into that game.
A miscommunication by junior goaltender Alex Rigsby behind the net led to the only goal of the evening and left the Badgers scrambling to avoid being swept in their second consecutive series. A 3-3 tie to cap the series allowed Wisconsin to salvage some points in the WCHA standings, but left UW in search of its first win in the new facilities.
“We’ve had a lot of scoring opportunities and a lot of missed chances, but that’s OK,” Johnson said. “Eventually the tide is going to turn, and those pucks are going to go in.”
Coming into this weekend, the Badgers are trying to regain their winning edge, having not notched a victory since a 9-1 triumph over Lindenwood Oct. 6.
During the course of its current four-game winless streak, Wisconsin has struggled to find the net, having been shut out in 10 of its last 12 periods of play. A two-goal surge in the third period of Wisconsin’s 3-3 tie with Bemidji State Sunday showed signs of increased production to come.
“It’s definitely a day-by-day process,” senior defenseman Alev Kelter said. “Each practice we’re just getting better and focusing on the end goal and the end result.”
Sophomore forward Karley Sylvester could be the spark the Badgers need to get back on their groove. Serving as a speedy compliment to senior forward Brianna Decker, Sylvester is tied with Kelter for second on the team with four goals to her name.
“She’s logging a lot more minutes than she did last year, and usually we see the biggest jump in our players between their freshmen and sophomore year,” Johnson said. “Karley is certainly an example of that. She’s worked hard and she’s getting a lot of ice time now and playing well.”
Wisconsin will try to reverse its fortunes against a scrappy New Hampshire team that has already pulled off an impressive win this season in downing No. 6 Boston College 4-3 last weekend.
The Wildcats are fueled by a stellar crop of new talent, with 20 of their 41 points this season coming via freshmen. First-year forwards Sara Carlson and Jonna Curtis lead the attack with six points each. Keeping these confident players in check, especially on the power play—where the Wildcats have scored a goal in all five of their games this season—will be key for the Badgers.
“We need to play them tough and play them physical, use some bump and run, which they won’t be used to in college,” Decker said. “Strength and experience will be good against them.”
“It will be an entertaining, fast-paced game, won’t be a lot of penalties,” Johnson said. “I’m sure it’ll be entertaining for the fans that come out tomorrow.”
