The Wisconsin men’s hockey team played their second game of the series against #10 Penn State on Saturday. In their regular season finale, the Badgers skated away with a 2-1 victory over a tough group of Nittany Lions. Wisconsin now must travel to Ann Arbor to take on Michigan in a best-of-three Big Ten tournament quarterfinal.
Wisconsin Men’s Hockey Boost Morale Before Playoffs
On Saturday night, the Badgers and Nittany Lions ended the Big Ten regular season in University Park. In the end, it was an incredibly physical game and at times got out of hand. The game saw 14 penalties and 13 power plays, including two majors and a game misconduct. Wisconsin was awarded three power plays in the first period and scored on the third. Corson Ceulemans was assisted by Carson Bantle and Mathieu De St. Phalle six seconds into the play.
Outside of the goal and penalties, it was a rather busy first period for both teams. The two teams had a combined 30 shots on goal as the Wisconsin men’s hockey team prepped for the second period. The Badgers got off to a slow start in the second before giving up a goal to Connor McMenamin to even the score at one. Wisconsin was also called for too many players on the ice during the play, which granted Penn State a power play following their goal. Wisconsin allowed no shots during the power play.
#BADGERS Win! pic.twitter.com/sHLZ8YBUeN
— Wisconsin Hockey (@BadgerMHockey) February 26, 2023
Right before the end of the second period, the Badgers recorded a five minute major for cross checking. The Wisconsin men’s hockey team did a great job stopping the second power play as well. The Nittany Lions were kept to six shots between their first three power plays of the game. After 14 total shots in the second period, the teams came out firing in the third. Mathieu De St. Phalle managed to sneak past the Nittany Lions defense and score a pass from Zach Urdahl to give the Badgers the lead.
Following what would be the game winning goal, things began to get chippy on the ice. Mike Vorlicky was hit with a five minute major for hitting from behind. Vorlicky was assessed a game misconduct for striking the back of an opponent’s helmet. Penn State skater Christian Sarlo and Corson Ceulemans also got tied up as both players received roughing penalties. Goalie Kyle McClellan ended the game with 47 saves for the Wisconsin men’s hockey team.
After the win, the Badgers must prepare to take on the Michigan Wolverines. The Big Ten tournament will start off with a best-of-three series between the Badgers and Wolverines to decide who will play March 11th in the semifinal game. It will be a tough match up for the Badgers, but advancing in the tournament would be huge for the Wisconsin men’s hockey team.
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