It has been a rough start for the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey program in Mike Hastings' second year at the helm. The Badgers remain in the USCHO rankings at 20th, but they enter their biggest series of the season against no.1 Denver with a 1-3 record.
This week’s https://t.co/2QgdyNoa0Z Division I Men’s Hockey Poll is here! pic.twitter.com/Rua09q85A1
— USCHO.com (@USCHO) October 21, 2024
The Badgers are coming off two disappointing 2-1 losses to Ohio State. Wisconsin's Ryland Mosley scored on the power play in the first period, but Max Montes equalized for the Buckeyes near the end of the period. Wisconsin and Ohio State went to overtime, but Montes again scored to win the game for the Buckeyes.
Wisconsin looked to split the series last Saturday, but the team got off to a poor start by allowing a Buckeye goal 21 seconds into the game. It was 2-0 Ohio State in the third when Quinn Finley scored to cut the lead in half. Unfortunately, Wisconsin failed to get the second goal and left last week with a 1-3 record.
One of the challenges for the Badgers this year was replacing the production from three of their top-four goal scorers from 2023-24. Carson Bantle (14 goals) and Mathieu De St. Phalle (11 goals, 16 assists) both signed professional contracts after the season. Cruz Lucius, who led the entire Badgers team with 34 points last year, transferred to Arizona State.
Sophomore Quinn Finley has emerged as the top goal-scorer so far this season. Finley has tallied three goals, including two in the Badger's overtime win against Lindenwood. Right behind Finley is Michigan Tech transfer Ryland Mosley, who has netted two goals on the year.
Simon Tassy, who was third on the team last year with 12 goals, has failed to score so far and has a -2 plus/minus. The Badgers will also look to get more production from goaltenders William Gramme and Tommy Scarfone. Both goalies have a save percentage under 90%.