Following a week off after maybe their most promising win of the season, the Badgers (5-3-0) are looking to carry momentum into a weekend series against Merrimack (4-5-3) at the Kohl Center.
Not only has Wisconsin played better than the Warriors this season, but they also have a favorable matchup in terms of playing styles. This season, Merrimack has been a defense-first team and has struggled offensively as a result. Currently, the Warriors are No. 47 of 60 in the nation in goals per game with 2.42. Even with a strong defensive performance in their last game against Northern Michigan, the Badgers still have proven to be inconsistent in the defensive zone, and, as a result, Merrimack’s inability to consistently score favors the Badgers.
Even though Merrimack has found more success this season defensively, as they are tied for No. 24 in the nation in goals allowed, conceding 2.83 goals per game, the Badgers should still be able to execute and score. Wisconsin’s high-octane offense has been able to find success against stout defenses this season, scoring five goals against No. 3 Boston College, who is No. 7 in the nation in defense, conceding only 2.08 goals per game.
Accordingly, the Badgers seemingly hold the advantage when skating five-on-five, but can create even more separation on special teams. The Warriors’ power play has struggled this season, as they are No. 48 in the nation, converting less than 13 percent of the time that they are on the man advantage. Consequently, Wisconsin’s No. 8 ranked penalty kill (89.6 percent) should have no problem taking care of business this weekend.
Similarly, Merrimack’s penalty kill is in the bottom half in the nation (No. 36), only killing off 82.5 percent of their penalties. Wisconsin’s No. 7 power play will look to boost their 24 percent conversion rate with the man advantage.
Like most other games this season, the Badgers’ focus will still be on defense. Despite coming off a shutout win, Wisconsin will need to prove that they can consistently play sound hockey in the defensive zone and defend from the front of the net, out.
In freshman goalie Jack Berry’s career debut, his shutout was both a product of his play individually and his team’s defense in front of him. In Berry’s second action of the season, he may have to fend off more open chances, which will be a good test for him to potentially implement himself as the full-time starter for the Badgers.
Once again, Wisconsin received top-20 votes this week, a mark that they were not close to achieving last year. Although they still have a long way to go to crack the top-20, a sweep this weekend would put the Badgers even closer to proving that they should be recognized as a competitive team in the country.
