BY ERIK GAFFRON | The Statesman THE GAME
The Badgers struck early in game two of the weekend, with their first goal coming at 5:49 into the first period. Badger forward Erika Sowchuck received a pass from Annie Pankowski behind the net and moved towards the goalmouth for a wrap-around try. Although initially stuffed by UMD goalie Kayla Black, the rebound bounced off of a Bulldog defender before finding the net.
The Badgers would double their lead moments later during the power play. This time Pankowski would add one of her own, taking an odd-man rush feed from Sarah Nurse and driving it past a sprawling Kayla Black. The goal came at 8:04 of the first period.
After a strong 2nd period in which the Bulldogs had numerous scoring chances, it would be the Badgers who would ultimately find the twine at 19:22 in the second, when Badger defender Courtney Burke’s slap shot rung in off of the post, giving Wisconsin a 3-0 lead. Annie Pankowski and Emily Clark were credited with assists on the Badgers’ second power play goal of the game—but it wasn’t their last. The Badgers would capitalize on another power play and continue their momentum early in the 3rd adding the tally at just two minutes in. Emily Clark put a low shot on net before putting home her own rebound for the goal. Courtney Burke was the lone assistant.
Bulldog forward Maria Lindh would finally break the Badgers goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens’ no-goals-allowed streak moments later at the 3:03 mark of the 3rd. Lindh took the puck to lower left circle before putting a wrist shot over Desbiens’ blocker shoulder for the Bulldog’s first goal of the game. Assists on the tally went to Morgan Morse and Catherine Daoust.
Bulldog Defender Lynn Astrup halved the Wisconsin lead with just a few minutes left in the game, but it would ultimately be too little too late as the Bulldog’s would fall 4-2.
THE TAKEAWAY
While the Bulldogs were unable to conquer the undefeated Wisconsin Badgers, they were able to play a tough and sometimes physical game to keep the score close.
The Bulldogs had uncharacteristically strong play in the second—a period that has recently been their weak point.
“That was our best second period of the season, we were cycling and getting changes well,” head coach Maura Crowell.
The Bulldogs have a road trip against WCHA foe North Dakota next weekend and hope to keep the positives in their favor on the trip.
“It was just two teams going at it tonight. Not the outcome we wanted but if we bring this (type of play) into North Dakota next weekend we will be alright,” Crowell said, on the loss and looking forward.
THE NUMBERS
543:53- Badgers goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens’ shutout streak ended at after 543 minutes and 53 seconds with Maria Lindh’s goal in the third period. This is the longest shutout streak in NCAA Division I hockey history—both men’s and women’s.
3- The Badgers netted three power play goals in the win on seven opportunities, including a five-minute misconduct on Demi Crossman for checking from behind.
13-. Even as they dominated play with 13 shots in the second period, the Bulldogs were unable to capitalize on any chances.