The Wisconsin Badgers men’s hockey program suffered an unexpected loss to Ohio State early in the Big Ten Tournament.
The Buckeyes embarrassed Wisconsin, 7-1, and the Badgers no longer control their tournament fate.
There are quite a few scenarios that need to play out to keep Wisconsin out of the NCAA Tournament entirely, but with the way Ohio State is playing, it may not be as much of a long shot as some may expect.
Wisconsin fell to No. 12 in the national rankings as it continues to hover around the chopping block. Remember, 16 teams make the tournament. If Wisconsin falls below No. 15, the team will be left out, as No. 16 is reserved for the Atlantic champions.
Now, Badgers fans need to keep an eye on the ECAC. Princeton and Clarkson have a chance to play spoiler, as do the Buckeyes. March 20 is a date to keep an eye on. Losses by both Clarkson and Princeton would get the Badgers a bid into the tournament.
Should either Clarkson or Princeton win the ECAC championship game on March 21, it comes down to Ohio State.
The Big Ten championship game will be played immediately after that one, so Badgers fans wouldn’t be going anywhere. Michigan is set to play OSU in the conference final, and Badgers fans should be rooting for the Wolverines.
Ultimately, Wisconsin can only be kept out of the tournament if either Clarkson or Princeton wins the ECAC championship and Ohio State wins the Big Ten championship.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Where Wisconsin men’s hockey stands in updated NCAA bracketology
Reporting by Jordon Lawrenz, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
