The Matchup: Michigan vs. Wisconsin
Dates: Friday/Saturday, February, 7 CT
Location: Kohl Center
Ice Surface: 200’ X 97’
TV: None
Radio: WIBA AM 1310
Video Stream: BTN.com/BTN2go app
Audio Stream: Badgersportsnetwork.com (Free)
All-Time Series: 54-71-10(UW Trails)
Last Meeting: 6-6 tie
About Michigan
Record: 17-4-4, (8-2-2-1 Big Ten)
Head Coach: Red Berensen (265-218-64 14th season)
Notable: Michigan sits tied atop the Big Ten standings with Minnesota with 27 points. Michigan also has earned a number 6 ranking at USCHO.com. High powered Michigan attack has 5 skaters with over 20 points on the year. Compared to Wisconsin’s 1 (Grant Besse).
Stat Leaders:
Points: Kyle Connor (44)
Goals: Tyler Motte (25)
Assists: Kyle Connor (24)
Save Pct.: Steve Racine (.913)
Goals Against Average: Steve Racine (2.90)
About Wisconsin:
Record: 6-12-6 (1-7-2-1 Big Ten)
Head Coach: Mike Eaves (14th Season – 265-218-64)
Notable: Wisconsin enters the final stretch of the 2015-2016 campaign by playing host to Michigan at the Kohl Center. Wisconsin is looking for a win in the Big Ten and has some momentum, after sweeping Alaska in their last series two weeks ago.
Stat Leaders
Points: Grant Besse (21)
Goals: Luke Kunin (10)
Assists: Grant Besse (15)
Save Pct.: Matt Jurusik (.892)
Goals Against Average: Matt Jurusik (3.40)
Quick Analysis:
Tough task for Wisconsin to start off their final stretch of the season with the top ranked in the Big Ten, Michigan Wolverines.
I do not see this one going too well for Wisconsin. The struggle of the season for the Badges has been the shaky defense. The offense for Wisconsin has been there. Ryan Wagner, Grant Besse and Luke Kunin leading the way but in the defensive zone, it has been tough to watch.
Michigan, as I alluded to in their “Notable” section has one of the most powerful offenses in the NCAA. After only 25 games played freshman sensation Kyle Connor has 44 points (!!!) the scary thing about Michigan is they back it up with great defense.
Prediction:
Friday- Wisconsin 1 Michigan 4
Saturday- Wisconsin 0 Michigan 6
This one hurts, but I think this could get ugly, quickly. Michigan wins big both nights, Badgers defense is too weak to play well enough for 60 full minutes.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
