[media-credit name=’BRYAN FAUST/Herald photo’ align=’alignright’ width=’336′][/media-credit]After facing off against three WCHA cellar dwellers during its last three series, the Wisconsin women's hockey team will finally play a top opponent this weekend as No. 7 Minnesota-Duluth will visit Kohl Center this weekend.
"The games against Duluth are always competitive games," UW head coach Mark Johnson said in his Monday press conference. "They bring both teams' level of play up."
Returning to their home ice after two road series, the top-ranked Badgers hope to use their strong puck movement and quickness to their advantage.
"Skating well and passing the puck well are good signs heading into this week on the bigger sheet of ice," Johnson said.
It will take a strong effort in net by Bulldog goalies Kim Martin and Riitta Shaublin if the Bulldogs are to have a chance at slowing the Badgers prolific offensive attack. Both goalies boast a goals-against average of fewer than two per game and have been the backbone of the Bulldog squad all season.
Slowing the Badger offense is a task easier said than done as Sara Bauer and Jinelle Zaugg, still ranked first and second in the country in scoring, lead an attack that is averaging 4.60 goals per game.
Badger goalies Jessie Vetter and Christine Dufour will have their own issues to worry about, however, as the Bulldogs are also averaging more than four goals per game. Led by senior forward Jessica Koizumi, the Bulldog offense has six players already with double digits in points.
The much-needed competition that Duluth will undoubtedly bring this weekend has the Badgers excited to defend their stronghold on the conference standings and the distinction as the nation's top team.
"When you compete against one of the top clubs in the country, it's a fun week of preparation," Johnson said. "The players get excited about playing UMD maybe a little bit more than other teams."
Unbeaten streak reaches 26
With two wins over Bemidji State last weekend, the Badgers extended their unbeaten streak to 26 consecutive games. Despite the impressive feat, Johnson continues to avoid focusing on the streak, instead worrying more about individual games and continuing to improve as a team.
"I don't look at it," Johnson said of the streak. "I'm not big on looking at numbers or streaks. I try to look at the bigger picture and how we're playing as a group. I think that once you start looking at individual or team numbers it sets you up for disaster. Your preparation has to be consistent over the season."
Instead of recognizing the team's remarkable feat, and their dominance over opponents this season, Johnson continues to put team goals as his top priority.
"My challenge to [the team] is to try and get better every day individually, and collectively as a team to be better than we were the previous weekend," Johnson said.
Tia Hanson returns to the lineup
After off-season knee surgery, sophomore Tia Hanson finally returned to the lineup last weekend against Bemidji State, scoring a goal in her first game since last season's National Championship. Her return to the team will add even more firepower to one of the best offensive teams in the country.
"It adds more depth. Tia had a very good season last year, especially in the second half," Johnson said. "We have a healthy team, and we've added more depth to our forward position."
Last season, Hanson spent a lot of time playing on a line with Zaugg and Bauer, but with freshman Kyla Sanders playing in that spot this season, the unit has had a lot of offensive success.
"As she continues to get stronger and get more playing [time], we'll be deeper than we were," Johnson said. "It's a good situation to be in. The challenge becomes now where I do put her in the mix."