All good things must come to an end.
This was the case for the incredible in-conference undefeated streak the No. 1 University of Wisconsin Women’s Hockey Team enjoyed. The Badgers learned when it rains it pours as they lost back-to-back games in Columbus over the weekend.
On Saturday afternoon against No. 6 Ohio State University, Wisconsin began the game much like many of the others this season — dominant. Though they didn’t score in the first frame, they completely controlled the puck and outshot the Buckeyes 12-2.
Women’s Hockey: No. 1 Wisconsin looks to defend ranking in series versus Ohio State
The second period allowed the Badgers to get a taste of their own medicine and feel what it’s like to be on the receiving end of a rousing performance. Though OSU only scored a single goal, which was also their only goal, in the second period, they outshot UW by a staggering 21-2 margin in the period.
Even in the 1-0 loss, sophomore goalie Kristen Campbell put on a clinic in net. It was a shame she had no offense in front of her to get the ‘W’.
Coach Mark Johnson called the middle period, in which Wisconsin took a beating in the shot margin column, “a bit challenging,” but welcomed the difficulty for a team that has faced little adversity this season.
In the second game of the series, the Badgers fell to the Buckeyes 3-1. In response to the shot disparity of the prior game, UW did right the ship. In the losing effort, they still managed to outshoot Ohio State 35-20. The only, rather important, issue was putting the puck in the net.
The tilt was tied at a goal apiece heading into the final period but Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s leading point scorer and OSU’s Emma Maltais broke open the game. From then on the Buckeyes converted on an empty-netter and took home their second straight game against the top team in the nation.
Johnson did not seem too pessimistic about the loss and seems to understand that all streaks are doomed to end.
“We played well today. We competed hard and created some chances. Overall it was a good team effort,” Johnson said.
As they look to get back on track, the Badgers will take on Minnesota Duluth in another two-game set this weekend.
