It’s often said in sports like football and basketball that it’s difficult to defeat the same opponent three times in a season. Well forget about three times, because Wisconsin (31-3-2) will look to knock off the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs (20-13-1) Friday for the fifth time in five tries this season.
The Badgers fifth attempt at defeating the Bulldogs will likely be their toughest yet, as it comes in the WCHA Final Face-Off. UMD finds itself fighting for survival, as it most likely won’t be participating in next weekend’s NCAA tournament.
“[Duluth is] a really good team, and they know how to win,” senior forward Brooke Ammerman said. “I mean, they’ve come on as of late, and they’re playing in their own rink, and they’re playing for more than just the WCHA tournament. They’re playing probably for an NCAA [tournament] bid. So there’s a lot on the line, so it should be a good game.”
Only four teams remain – Wisconsin, Minnesota, Minnesota-Duluth and North Dakota – in the WCHA playoffs. Although it’s only a conference tournament, the WCHA playoffs are arguably tougher than many of the lingering NCAA tournament games. For proof of the conference’s superiority, simply take a look at past NCAA women’s hockey champions, as every one has come from the WCHA (Wisconsin, Minnesota and Minnesota-Duluth).
“The toughest game to win is the [semifinal] game,” head coach Mark Johnson said. “So if you’re lucky enough to play deep into this weekend, that’s going to help you prepare for the following weekend. And then get yourself in a position where you’re healthy, and got everyone going, playing a high level. And if you look at history, that’s helped all the teams that have had that opportunity.”
The Badgers’ semifinal game will take place in Duluth, giving the Bulldogs a clear home ice advantage. The entire Final Face-Off weekend also features single elimination games, making for high intensity matchups between conference rivals.
“It sort of gives you this rehearsal of what it’s going to be like next weekend,” Johnson said. “Only next weekend, you lose and your season’s over.”
For seniors such as Hilary Knight, the idea of single elimination is accompanied by mixed emotions.
“Certain teams are known for their postseason play, and I think Duluth is one of them,” Knight said. “Anything can happen in the playoffs, and I think that’s scary but also exciting at the same time.”
Duluth isn’t the only team with much at stake this weekend, as Wisconsin will fight to make its claim for the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. The Badgers were the top-ranked team in the nation through the duration of the season and show no signs of surrendering that title now.
Johnson and his players realize the benefits that come with a top seed in the NCAA tournament, including the luxury of playing inside the friendly confines of the Kohl Center – a place where the Badgers lost only twice all season.
“You want to host that first quarterfinal [NCAA] game if you can, playing in your surroundings and not having to travel,” Johnson said. “It’s one of the things that can maybe make a difference, and you have control of, and so that’s what makes it important.”
Johnson is confident in his team after it reeled off two dominating performances in the first round of the WCHA playoffs. The Badgers beat Minnesota State by a combined 11-0 score, equipping them with plenty of momentum as they head for Duluth.
“We’re in a pretty good position right now,” Johnson said. “So it’s a good opportunity to go up there and be challenged by a quality opponent in their yard and find out what we can do.”
