The Collapse is Complete

Last weekend the Badgers snapped a seven game winless streak against Colorado College. A match-up against those same Tigers would determine whether the Badgers could salvage a trip the NCAA tournament.

The likelihood of that trip to the tournament most likely was dashed in the series finale between Wisconsin and Colorado College in the WCHA tournament.

Friday night the Badgers opened with a strong win in Colorado Springs, Col. with a 3-1 victory. Not to mention getting goals from some unusual sources in the victory.

After trailing the Tigers by one in the second period the Badgers answered with a goal by Joe Faust. His first goal as a Badgers, and one that couldn't have come at a better time.

Wisconsin would tack on two more goals by Ryan Little, and Jefferson Dahl in the third period to ice the opening victory. Meaning that the Badgers just needed to win one of the last two to advance to the WCHA Final Five.

Saturday night was by no means a "pitchers dual" with both teams making big strides on the offensive side of the ice.

The Badgers would jump out to an early lead by two goals by Craig Smith and Podge Turnbull in the first period. Taking a 2-0 lead into the first intermission, but the Tigers would not go quietly.

In the second period the only player that would light the lamp would be Jaden Schwartz. Cutting the Badger lead to just one heading into the third and final stanza of the evening.

Throughout the season, and pretty much the entire Mike Eaves tenure, the Badgers have been almost perfect when leading after two periods. Saturday night would not be one of those stories though.

With another goal by Colorado College the Badgers would find themselves back in a tie with the Tigers. Until Sean Dolan would find the back of the net giving the Badgers the lead again at 3-2. Until the Tigers would answer with another goal sending the game back to overtime with the series on the line.

In overtime the Badgers would give the Tigers a powerplay on a tripping call, and Colorado College would take advantage. With another goal by Schwartz the Tigers would take the second game with a 4-3 comeback victory in overtime.

Sunday night would be much of the same for the Badgers in the rubber match. Taking a 1-0 lead after a second period goal by Craig Smith. Giving the Badgers that all important lead again heading into the third and final period.

In the final stanza the Tigers would capitalize on two penalties on the Badgers to cash in on two late goals by Nick Dineen and Stepehen Schultz. Giving the Tigers a 2-1 victory in the final game of the series, and sending the Badgers packing.

Not to mention all but eliminating the Badgers from NCAA tournament consideration. A decision on the big tournament will not come until next week. Meaning a long week of waiting for a Badger hockey team that over achieved most of the season.