You never feel good about a loss, and certainly not about being
swept on the season series by a team that has never done that to you, but
there were some positives at the Great Dane on Saturday night.  This could
have been the big turnaround game -- handing the #1 team in the country its
first loss, starting the climb back to respectability.... but the Badgers
fell just short.
        This was, in my opinion, the best game of the year for the Badgers,
including the ones that they won (based on what I've seen, heard, and
read).  They came out to play, and worked hard all night long, something
that has been very much lacking this year.  The first period was very
entertaining -- fast, hard hockey with few interruptions.  The Badgers had
apparently paid attention to the reports from the Air Force game --
clogging up the passing lanes seemed to frustrate the Tigers.  The game was
scoreless up until 11:20 or so of the third period.  There were chances on
both sides, but I would hazard to say that Wisconsin had more good ones.
The Badgers did well to fix their failure to rotate on D, which had burned
them on Friday night.  With all of their offensive weapons, it is not
surprising that CC's crucial first goal capitalized on one of the few
breakdowns, which left Remackel wide open at the point for a blast to the
net.  This was followed by a dumb penalty, and a quick CC power play goal,
and Bucky had suddenly let the game slip away.
        All in all, it was a surprisingly even game, which is interesting
based on the two teams' records.  CC is undefeated, but has had a very
favorable schedule so far and did not dominate in the last three games
against "weak" teams.  Wisconsin, on the other hand, is finally getting on
the same page.  If they don't let themselves get discouraged by the sweep,
this team can pour it on in the second half as in years past.  It's a long
road up against a tough league, but the team I saw on the ice on Saturday
will not end up in the cellar if they play up to their ablilties.
        Bucky needs a confidence-boosting weekend against Northern next
week, and I think they'll get it.  This is not a great Wisconsin team, but
once they remember how to win, they'll surprise some people.
 
 
-==-John R. [log in to unmask] Chem. Dept-==-
                 --- "When in doubt, roll!" ---
 
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