Badgers Split w/ St. Cloud

Two different version of the Wisconsin Men's Hockey team were on display this weekend. On friday, the team that started the season 0-6-1 made a 60 minute preformance in 6-2 loss to the Huskies. Nothing was really going right for the Badgers, other than the PK units which continue to play great despite being on the ice way more than they should. Ryan Lasch and Garrett Roe got going for St. Cloud and while the Badgers pulled to w/ in 3-1 early in the 3rd, the game quickly got away. The defense was poor and Shane Connelly was not his best in net.

On saturday, arguably one of the best versions of the Badgers all season showed up, and Connelly returned in net to post his 1st shutout of the season in a 1-0 victory. Based on the radio coverage, Shane made some outstanding saves throughout the night and brought his best effort of the season after bringing his worst the night before. The Badgers put a ton of pressure on Jase Weslosky, though they only managed to sneak the one Jordy Murray goal through, it was enough.

The PK was impressive this weekend, not allowing a PP goal on way too many chances by St. Cloud. Need to clean up the penalties still, and bring an effort like saturday every night, but the team continues to move forward in a positive direction, slowly but surely.

Some reading from Friday night's game:

TCT (Milewski): Unflattering return to past for UW
Ice House: Gameday Blog
WSJ (Baggot): UW falls out of line
uwbadgers.com: Badgers take a hard hit

Saturday's game:

TCT (Milewski): Connelly goes out with a bang
Ice House: Ugly Numbers
Ice House: Gameday Blog
WSJ (Baggot): Connelly rebounds nicely in win
uwbadgers.com: UW blanks SCSU for weekend split

The one-on-one conversation didn't last long, but it was packed with meaning, emotion and sincerity.

University of Wisconsin men's hockey coach Mike Eaves pulled senior goaltender Shane Connelly aside Saturday morning and recited the words all struggling competitors crave to hear.

"I want to make sure you know I believe in you," Eaves said.

The Badgers return home this week for the first of four home series in a row, starting w/ the College Hockey Showcase. Michigan State visits friday, while Michigan visits saturday. State is riding a 6 game losing streak, so lets make it 7. While 8-6, Michigan is not the dominate team it was last year. It would be nice to get a sweep against these old CCHA foes.