For the first time in 16 years, the Wisconsin Badgers men’s hockey team has won a game in the Frozen Four.
The 2010 runner-ups are back in the national title game after defeating No. 2 North Dakota, 2-1.
Two early goals put the Badgers on top, and that score remained intact until North Dakota scored to narrow its deficit late in the third period.
The Fighting Hawks, who hadn’t allowed a goal all tournament, were stunned at Wisconsin’s hot start. The Badgers never looked back and punched their ticket to the title game against either No. 1 Michigan or Denver on Saturday, April 11, at 5:30 p.m. EST.
For more on how the contest played out, here was our live coverage.
FINAL: Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 1
Wisconsin didn’t let the empty net goal phase them as they found a way to advance to their first National Championship game in 16 years.
GOAL – 3rd Period – 51.8 Seconds: Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 1
North Dakota took advantage of an icing against the Badgers and made them pay. For the first time all night, the Fighting Hawks found the back of the net. Ellis Rickwood scored and was assisted by Dylan James.
3rd Period – 2:05: Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 0
Hauser made the save of the game despite having a defender right in his face. So far, Wisconsin has done well with North Dakota’s net empty.
3rd Period – 4:39: Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 0
Another media timeout on the ice allows these teams to regroup. The Fighting Hawks have no choice but to think about when they’ll be pulling their goalie, and that’ll likely be happening sooner rather than later.
3rd Period – 6:09: Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 0
A couple of questionable penalties made things interesting, but no team came out of their power play chances with a goal. Hauser remains perfect in the net, even with a quality chance from a shorthanded Fighting Hawks.
3rd Period – 14:59: Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 0
The Badgers continue to hold onto the 2-0 lead they’ve had since the first period. North Dakota has been dominating at the point recently, but Wisconsin won its first faceoff of the period, which turned into a near-goal from Oliver Tulk.
Start of 3rd Period
Wisconsin is 20 minutes away from advancing to its first National Championship game since 2006!
End of 2nd Period: Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 0
North Dakota’s attack was relentless this period, but the Fighting Hawks couldn’t convert on a two-man advantage or a breakaway attempt in the final minute. The No. 2 seed had just four shots in the first period but managed to triple that number in this set of 20 minutes. Wisconsin had seven shots this period and still has a +6 faceoff differential.
Wisconsin Penalty – 2nd Period – 6:22: Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 0
Badgers may have killed the first penalty, but they’ll have to do it again. A collision between a pair of players didn’t go Wisconsin’s way as it resulted in another two-minute holding penalty, this one on Luke Osburn.
Wisconsin Penalty – 2nd Period – 10:46: Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 0
The Fighting Hawks will be on the power play for the first time in this one as Ben Dexheimer was hit with a two-minute minor penalty for holding.
Wisconsin Timeout – 2nd Period – 12:19: Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 0
Despite opening the second period with four scoring chances, Hauser continues to keep the shutout alive. Wisconsin chose to use its timeout at this point in the game, which many may question, but it’s a decision Hastings will have to live with.
Start of 2nd Period
The first intermission has concluded in Las Vegas.
End of 1st Period: Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 0
The first power play of the game went the Badgers’ way, but they came up empty. Wisconsin’s offense has been on full display in the first 20 minutes as they have outshot the No. 2 seed, 15-4. 15 seems to be the magic number, as that’s the number of faceoff wins they have. Keep in mind, the Fighting Hawks have won just eight.
Mike Hastings has a lot to be excited about thus far, but it’s going to take a lot more than one strong period to get the Badgers to the National Championship game.
GOAL – 1st Period – 6:39: Wisconsin 2, North Dakota 0
In a matter of seconds, this game went from scoreless to a two-goal Badgers lead. Wisconsin’s Ryan Botterill followed up Tassy’s goal with one of his own less than a minute later. Ben Dexheimer and Joe Palodichuk assisted on this one at 13:21.
GOAL – 1st Period – 7:06: Wisconsin 1, North Dakota 0
For the first time in this year’s NCAA Tournament, North Dakota has conceded a goal. Simon Tassy found the back of the net at 12:54, assisted by Vasily Zelenov.
1st Period – 8:51: Wisconsin 0, North Dakota 0
Daniel Hauser took the Badgers into the second media timeout with a huge save. It’s the only shot North Dakota has had since the last update. Wisconsin has a huge lead in not just the shot department (9-3) but they’re also +7 (10-3) in faceoffs.
1st Period – 14:55: Wisconsin 0, North Dakota 0
North Dakota had the first great chance of the game but failed to get a shot on goal. Wisconsin followed it up with a pair of its own. The Fighting Hawks later recorded their first two shots on goal to even things up in that department.
Wisconsin men’s hockey vs. North Dakota Frozen Four game: TV channel, start time
Date: Thursday, April 9
Channel: ESPN2
Start Time: 5:00 p.m. ET, 4:00 p.m. CT
Where to watch Wisconsin-North Dakota Frozen Four game on livestream
Wisconsin vs North Dakota will be available via livestream on ESPN+.
Watch Wisconsin vs. North Dakota on ESPN2
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin men’s hockey defeats No. 2 North Dakota: Instant reaction
Reporting by Jordon Lawrenz, Badgers Wire / Badgers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
