The Tale of the Beaver and the Badger

The old fable of the tortoise and the hare is one that everybody has heard at least once in their lifetime. Friday night's match-up between Wisconsin and Bemidji State at the Kohl Center was perhaps hockey's version of the old tale.

Prior to the series opener Bemidji State head coach Tom Serratore told Brian Posic that his team needed to score more. Obviously they must have heard that interview, because that is exactly what they did in the first period. Make that the first three minutes for that matter.

Right off the bat the Beavers struck first with a goal by Radoslave Illo. Making the score 1-0, but Bemidji would strike again and quick order.

In just a matter of seconds the Beavers struck again this time with a Madison, Wis. native. On a power play the Badgers seemed to be staring down the puck and lost track of Jordan George. His teammates found him, and George found the back of the net. Bringing the score to 2-0, and giving the Beavers a big lead in just the first three minutes of the game, but remember the tale of the tortoise and the hare.

The rabbit always seems to jump out to a quick lead. Then the tortoise just keeps trucking. Moving along slowly, but inching ever so close to the hare. Exactly what the Badgers would do on Friday night against the Beavers.

Late in the first period Craig Smith would net the first of the night for the Badgers, and not the last. For either the Badgers or for Smith. The Badgers would enter the second period down 2-1, but they would not leave with the same score.

Mid-way through the second period the Badgers found the net for the second time of the night. This time it was a "knuckle-puck," (check your "Mighty Ducks 2" references) that would sneak by Bemidji State goaltender Dan Bakala. Making the score 2-2 heading into the third and final period. One that the Badgers would start in a five minute major power-play.

The Badgers would be unable to cash in the five minute major, but they would make good on a power-play later in the period. When it would be Smith finding the back of the net for the second time of the night. Giving the Badgers a 3-2 lead in the third period, but in order to win they would need to rely on senior goaltender Scott Gudmandson.

Despite a tough start to the night Gudmandson was able to make 25 saves on Friday night. More importantly being able to stop 11 of those in the third period when his teammates appeared to be fatigued.

With the goals by Smith, and Turnbull as well as the strong finish by Gudmandson the Badgers would hang on to win their first one goal game in what feels like ages. Not to mention showing that the tortoise always wins, but in the new tale we'll replace that with a Badger. Call him Bucky if you will....