Badger of Honor
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NHL: Justin Schultz, Craig Smith represent Wisconsin Badgers in Stanley Cup

By Trevor Jossart

May 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz (4) carries the puck against the Washington Capitals during the third period in game six of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz (4) carries the puck against the Washington Capitals during the third period in game six of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Two former Wisconsin Badgers are playing in the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup.

The Pittsburgh Penguins stole game one in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final on Memorial Day by a score of 5-3 over the upstart Nashville Predators.

While no former Wisconsin Badgers player scored in game one, both Justin Schultz of Pittsburgh and Craig Smith of Nashville have been viable contributors this season and can be accounted for with regards to the teams’ successes.

Smith, born and raised in Madison, scored 12 goals for the Predators this season, who took the NHL faithful by storm when they swept the heavily favored Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs.

Unfortunately for Smith, injury has clouded his postseason run so far as he has seen just five games up to this point. He played a little over 11 minutes on Monday, posting a fairly neutral contributing line and -1 on the ice. Dealing with an undisclosed injury, Smith was missing in action during their series win over Anaheim, but was able to give it a go in game one against the Penguins.

Apr 17, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith (15) skates the puck into the offensive zone against the Chicago Blackhawks in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won in overtime 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators right wing Craig Smith (15) skates the puck into the offensive zone against the Chicago Blackhawks in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won in overtime 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Smith played in 82 games for the Badgers in two seasons from 2009-2011. He netted a total of 27 goals during his tenure with the Badgers. He also spent sometime in his home state after being drafted by Nashville- playing with their minor league affiliate the Milwaukee Admirals.

On the flip side, Justin Schultz has proven to be a key factor in the Penguins’ playoff run and scored an assist in the team’s 5-3 victory on Monday.

Like Smith, Schultz also produced 12 goals this regular season, but has been a huge player during this postseason- scoring three goals and providing eight assists.

Originally from Kelowna, British Columbia, Schultz played two of his three at Wisconsin with Smith. Schultz earned 42 goals in his three years with the Badgers and enjoyed four up-and-down seasons with the Edmonton Oilers before moving over to Pittsburgh in 2015.

As you may know, the Penguins were crowned Stanley Cup winners last season, earning Schultz a ring in his first season with the club. With a current 1-0 lead in the Finals this season, Schultz could make it a perfect 2/2 in Pittsburgh.

Game two is Wednesday night in Pittsburgh.