A Rough Weekend in Omaha

Coming into this weekends series with one of the newest members of the WCHA, Nebraska-Omaha, the Badgers were riding a tidal wave. Winning 13 of their last 15 games the Badgers were charging towards the top of the conference standings. That is until the made that first trip to Omaha.

Friday night would be a record night for the Mavericks in Omaha. Setting a record for attendance at the Owest Center, and the Mavs would treat the crowd to a show. One that the Badgers would not enjoy.

Late in the first period the Badgers would strike first with a goal by Jordy Murray. Giving the Badgers a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

That lead would not last long in the second period though. With two goals by the Mavericks in the opening minutes of the period the Badgers would themselves down 2-1 heading into the final period.

In the third and final stanza the Mavericks would find the back of the net two more times. Beating the Badgers 4-1 in the first meeting between the Badgers and Mavericks in history.

Saturday night would be historic for the Nebraska-Omaha for a different reason, but a reason the Badgers would not enjoy either.

The Mavericks would strike first on Saturday night with a goal by Brock Montpetit giving Nebraska-Omaha a 1-0 lead mid-way through the first period. A lead the Badgers would answer though.

In the final minute of the period Jake Gardiner would find the back of the net for the eighth time this season. More importantly on Saturday locking the game up a one heading into the first intermission.

Once again the second period would not be kind to the Badgers in Omaha. With the Mavs scoring two more goals in the second stanza. Taking a 3-1 lead into the third and final period of the game.

Early in the third period the Mavs would strike again with Matt Ambroz's second goal of the night and sixteenth of the season. Putting the Mavs up 4-1 with just minutes left in the game.

The Badgers would rally to within a goal of the Mavs in the third period. With gaols by Murray and Craig Smith, but in the end they would come up just one short. Losing the series finale 4-3, and becoming the 300th victim of Nebraska-Omaha head coach Dean Blias.