[media-credit name=’BRYAN FAUST/Herald photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]The University of Wisconsin women's hockey team, still riding a 16-game winning streak dating back to last season, has once again started the season off strong.
The Badgers hope to carry momentum from two season-opening sweeps on the road as they will play visitor for the first time this season in this weekend's series at Ohio State.
The No. 1 Badgers (4-0-0) have won their first four home games against Quinnipiac and St. Cloud State but will be tested this weekend by a Buckeyes team that has shown offensive firepower early on in the season.
Ohio State (2-0-0) tied a school record, scoring 16 total goals in their two game-opening series against Northeastern last weekend. The Buckeyes were an impressive 7-12 on power plays in their first two games, a number Wisconsin head coach Mark Johnson is very aware of.
"They've got a pretty good power play," Johnson said. "We've got to stay out of the penalty box and not give them opportunities. If our special teams can play well this weekend, that will bode well for our team."
Ohio State has also been very effective on the penalty kill, not allowing a goal despite giving up 15 power plays. The Buckeyes are led by junior defenseman Tessa Bonhomme, this week's WCHA Defensive Player of the Week, who registered seven points against Northeastern.
While Johnson is keenly aware of the challenge Ohio State's offense presents, UW defenseman Meaghan Mikkelson is more concerned with how her own team plays.
"I didn't even know about it," Mikkelson said, referring to Ohio State's 16 goals. "We're just worried about playing our best hockey, and that's what's important."
Wisconsin has plenty of firepower of its own, however. Led by Jinelle Zaugg, the nation's leader in points with 10, and Sara Bauer, who is close behind Zaugg with eight, Wisconsin currently has two of the top three scorers in the country.
Zaugg received recognition this week as she was named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week after scoring four goals last weekend against St. Cloud State.
Zaugg, Bauer and captain Bobbi-Jo Slusar have all contributed to the offensive success of the Badgers this season, and Johnson expects them to play key roles as usual this weekend.
"We need them to keep it up," Johnson said of the Badgers' big three. "Our good players are off to good starts, and that's good for everybody involved, it's a big help."
This first road series will offer another challenge, however, as the Ohio State Ice Rink is a smaller sheet than the one at the Kohl Center. The Badgers will have to be prepared for the different style of game that a smaller rink dictates.
"Playing on a smaller surface is something we'll have to adjust to," Mikkelson said. "It might be uncomfortable, but we have to deal with it."
"There's not a lot of space," Johnson added. "We have to be ready for it and ready to play our best on it."
Wisconsin did work on some drills this week in practice designed to encourage faster puck movement and pace of play, factors Johnson believes will be key to being successful on a smaller sheet of ice.
Though the Badgers had a lot of success against the Buckeyes last year, winning all four games, this weekend's matchup should prove to be a difficult one. Ohio State had two upset victories over then-defending champion Minnesota last season and will come out ready in their first conference series of the year.
"It should be a real battle," Johnson said. "But we'll be ready."