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Statistically speaking, there is no doubt the University of Wisconsin women’s hockey team is the No. 1 team in the nation. The Badgers are leading the nation in nearly every category, including scoring offense, power play and combined special teams. The Badgers offense has been explosive through the team’s first eight games. Assistant coach Dan Koch mentioned the production has come from a variety of sources, some new players as well as some familiar faces.

“There are a number of players on the stat sheet between eight and 13 points. Brooke Ammerman’s got good numbers; she’s got great hands, a good stick and is a natural scorer,” Koch said. “Hilary Knight has stepped up her production and Mallory Deluce has been consistent. And then our upperclassmen, [Erika] Lawler, [Meghan] Duggan, continue their same work habits and get rewarded for it.”

The Badgers’ 42.2 percent power play success rate is symbolic of the team’s offensive efficiency. The Badgers’ top-ranked power play, whose top unit consists of Knight, Alycia Matthews, Lawler, Ammerman and Duggan, uses a simple system that relies on hustle, creativity and skill to score.

While the first unit may have had the most success, there are almost 10 forwards who have seen ample time on the power play — a true testament to the Badgers’ depth. Koch said the power play system hasn’t changed, just the execution.

“It’s the same thing we’ve been doing since Mark [Johnson] and I got here,” Koch said. “His philosophy is to keep things simple, work hard and win the battles, you got to outwork the penalty killers. It’s just execution, making a couple of passes, getting the puck to the net and out numbering down-low. It’s a tribute to them and their hard work that the numbers are so high.”

Through eight games, the Badgers have produced 52 goals, an average of 6.5 goals a game. The Badgers are outshooting their opponents by an average of 44.75 to 16.5.

Knight’s 16 points lead the nation, as do her 2.67 points per game average. Lawler’s passing has been an integral piece of the team’s offensive success; Lawler has 11 points. Duggan, last season’s leading scorer, also has 11 points.

While opponents are usually concerened with the strength of Knight, the playmaking of Lawler and the shot and determination of Duggan, there are plenty of other contributors for the Badgers.

Ammerman has 10 goals and at least one goal in seven straight games. She has been named WCHA Offensive Rookie of the Week two times in the past three weeks. Additionally, Ammerman leads all freshmen in the nation with 1.88 points per game.

Matthews has coupled her staunch defensive play with a strong offensive output that includes nine assists and one goal. Matthew’s 10 points are tied for the national lead for all defenseman.

Juniors Kyla Sanders and Jasmine Giles are known as strong two-way players, but have chipped in 11 points each. Sanders picked up the Badgers third hat trick of the year last Saturday against Bemidji Sate in the first ever women’s hockey USA Hall of Fame Game.

Sophomore Riley Nash, who has seen time on the Badgers’ top line, also has 11 points.

Senior Angie Keseley, who plays left wing on the Badgers top line with Lawler and Knight, noted the Badgers’ offensive depth gives the coaches the opportunity to experiment with lines and power plays.

“This year our forwards are really good,” Keseley said. “We can play anyone at any time, and they’ll do really well. I think we have really strong forwards, and that’s what is contributing to our goal scoring.”