The Badgers (2-14-2 Big Ten, 4-24-4 overall) have had many instances of offensive futility this year, but this weekend’s series was their low point, shut out by Michigan State (9-6-2, 15-4-2) in both games in East Lansing.
The Spartans bested the Badgers 3-0 Friday night, with the first period featuring a single Michigan State goal and a single Wisconsin shot. This would perfectly sum up the difference between the two squads that would separate them in the series.
The Spartans scored two more goals, but only needed the one they scored in the first period due to the dominance of their junior goalie Jake Hildebrand. With the two blanks this weekend, Hildebrand is now tied for the national lead in shutouts with six on the year.
The score remained the same Saturday, with the Spartans taking it 3-0. This time it was less about the Badgers’ offensive ineptitude as the team had a season-high 38 shots. Instead Hildebrand played even sharper, stopping all 38.
The Spartans grabbed a goal two minutes into the second period, then coasted until they scored two goals in a one-minute span early in the third to ice the game. Senior forward Matt Berry scored three goals in the series, leading MSU’s offensive charge by scoring the first goal in each game.
By earning the sweep, Michigan State swept Wisconsin for the first time since 1976 and claimed first place in the Big Ten as the season nears its end.
The Badgers, on the other hand, have been shutout in three of their last four games, only scoring two in the one game they weren't. With the season coming to an end, there isn’t much more time for the Badgers to heat up before the Big Ten Tournament.
UW will face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes (7-11-0, 12-18-2) in Madison to close out the season. The puck will drop at 7 p.m. Friday night and 6 p.m. Saturday night at the Kohl Center.
