The Wisconsin men’s hockey team takes on yet another tough Big Ten opponent this weekend as the No. 6 Michigan Wolverines make the trip to Madison. The Badgers (6-12-6, 1-7-2-1 Big Ten) enter the second half of their eight-game home stretch and look forward to another big crowd at the Kohl Center.

The Badgers are fresh off a bye week after snagging two close 4-3 and 5-2 victories over Alaska two weekends ago, and are building momentum to make a run in the upcoming Big Ten Conference tournament. Now last in the Big Ten, this series is a big test to determine national relevance again for the Badgers.

The Wolverines (17-4-4, 8-2-2 Big Ten) are on a six-game away stand and travel from East Lansing after trading a series with the Spartans. Michigan has won nine of its last 11 with their only two losses in that span coming in overtime. The team now boasts a share of first place in the Big Ten with 27 points and looks to shoot ahead of Minnesota in the standings with two more away wins this weekend.

The Badgers will be without senior defenseman Eddie Wittchow Friday as it is the final game in a three-game suspension for his hit to the head against Minnesota three weeks ago. Wisconsin is in desperate need of at least a point this weekend to save face in the Big Ten, while Michigan is eyeing sole possession of the conference with two wins in Madison.

This series is the first and only time the two squads will meet this regular season, making for an emotional battle between the long-time rivals from bordering states.

Wisconsin key to victory:

• Remain focused for 45 minutes: A Wisconsin victory on either day will come directly from their level of focus. The significant majority of the wins the Badgers have pulled off against top-ranked opponents this season have been a result of their fortitude to play strong for all 45 minutes. Several tie games against good teams have resulted in some unfortunate losses due to the Badgers’ inability to clamp down on defense.
• Freshmen firepower: Michigan’s offensive firepower is a big concern for the Badgers, as the Wolverines outscored their opponents 49 to 17 in the third period, proving defensive fortitude is a big key late in this match. With Wittchow gone Friday, look for several freshmen like Patrick Sexton and Cameron Hughes to step up in his absence and be more aggressive on the offensive end. These young Badgers will need to be more poised than they’ve ever been if they want to take down the Wolverines.

Michigan player to watch: Freshman Kyle Connor

Connor leads the team this season with 44 total points and the second highest shot percentage at almost .2. An early selection to Winnipeg Jets and two time freshman of the month this season, Connor flies off the board as an impressive talent for the Wolverines. Even though he’s definitely not the only threat Wisconsin has to watch for, he’s the most potent.

Look for Connor to attack the gaps in transition constantly this weekend as he faces a beaten up Badger defense. But the big reason he has shot up the stat board for Michigan has been his dual threat abilities. His vision exceeds that of most freshmen and is as difficult to plan for as his skill. Wisconsin will need to get back quickly and stay set to diminish his influence. Whether Connor puts one in the net or not this weekend, watch for him to make a big impact.