Badgers unleash a second-period scoring blitz, stunning the No. 2 Wolverines and igniting their postseason hopes with a commanding victory.
MADISON, Wis. – In a performance that reignited their postseason hopes, the Wisconsin Badgers (19-10-2) delivered a statement 4-1 victory over the No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (24-6-1) at a sold-out Kohl Center on Friday night for "Rock the red" fan appreciation night . After weeks of searching for a marquee win to stabilize a turbulent second half of the season, Wisconsin used a relentless nine-minute scoring spree in the second period to upend the nation's top-scoring offense.
Second-Period Fireworks
Following a 0-1 deficit supplied by Michigan's Will Horcoff in the opening frame , Wisconsin tied it up in the second period. The Badgers' offense, which had struggled for consistency during a recent January slide, found its rhythm behind Quinn Finley, who netted the equalizer goal at the 7:25 mark of the period.
The momentum stayed firmly with the home side as Vasily Zelenov added an insurance goal at 8:51, pushing the lead to 2-1 and electrifying the Madison crowd. Michigan, which leads the NCAA with a staggering 4.70 goals per game, found itself stifled by a disciplined Wisconsin defensive scheme that limited high-danger chances for stars like T.J. Hughes and Michael Hage. Jack Horbach sealed the upset with an empty-net goal in the final two minutes, securing the Badgers' first win over a top-ranked opponent since their sweep of then-No. 1 Michigan State in November.
Big Ten Standings Impact
Tonight’s result carries massive implications for the Big Ten standings as the regular season reaches its final weeks:
- Michigan’s Title Race Stalls: Entering the night, Michigan sat atop the conference with 43 points, holding a narrow lead over Michigan State. This regulation loss keeps them at 43 points, opening the door for the Spartans—who trailed by just four points with games in hand—now taking the top spot after another win against Notre Dame tonight.
- Wisconsin Solidifies Postseason Position: For the Badgers, these three points are vital. Currently in third place, Wisconsin (now at 33 points) is fighting to secure home-ice advantage for the first round of the Big Ten tournament, awarded to the top four finishers.
- NCAA Tournament Bubble: Beyond the conference, Wisconsin's victory is a massive "Quadrant 1" win that bolsters their NPI (National Pairwise Index) ranking, moving them closer to securing an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament.
Looking Ahead
The two teams return to the ice tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 21, for the series finale. Michigan will be desperate for a split to maintain their lead in the conference race, while Wisconsin looks for its first home sweep of the Wolverines in over two decades.
Team
Big Ten Record
Total Points
Standing
Michigan State
15-5-
45
1st
Michigan
15-5-1
43
2nd
Wisconsin
12-9-0
33
3rd
Penn State
10-7-1
33
4th
To secure a victory in the rematch tomorrow the Wolverines must adjust its tactical approach to overcome a Wisconsin defense that successfully neutralized the nation’s top offense in the series opener.
1. Re-Establish Offensive Pressure
In their previous meetings at the Kohl Center, Michigan has struggled when unable to consistently establish a forecheck. To win, the Wolverines must:
Shoot through blocks: Wisconsin's defense is elite at blocking shots (averaging nearly 30 blocks in some matchups). Michigan must find shooting lanes rather than firing into the "red brick wall" of Badger defenders.
Avoid Mid-game Malaise: Michigan cannot afford to let the Badgers surge in the second period as they did Friday. Aiming for a minimum of 10 shots on goal per period will be crucial to wearing down the Wisconsin defense.
2. Win the Special Teams Battle
Special teams are often the deciding factor especially when it comes to these two teams.
Neutralize the Badgers power play: Wisconsin’s power play has previously converted at rates as high as 40% against Michigan. Discipline is paramount; the Wolverines must avoid post-whistle scrums and frustration penalties that give Wisconsin man-advantage opportunities.
Leverage the No.1 Power play: Michigan possesses the nation’s top powerplay (30.6%) while Wisconsin's penalty kill ranks near the bottom of the NCAA (59th). Drawing penalties and executing on the man-advantage is Michigan's clearest path to a multi-goal lead.
3. Protect the Crease
With Wisconsin often playing a high intensity “puck punting” style that leads to odd-man rushes, Michigan’s defense must:
Manage rebounds: The Badgers excel at driving hard to the net and capitalizing on loose pucks. Michigan defenders must clear the front of the net to allow their goaltender a clear sightline.
Manage the puck: Turnovers at the blue line have historically led to back-door plays for Wisconsin. Clean zone exits will be vital to preventing the Badgers from transitioning quickly.