The second period matched the tone that both teams have set during the past few meetings, with neither squad willing to surrender an inch. However, late in the period, the Badgers found an opening. Sarah Wozniewicz was able to beat Minnesota goalie Skylar Vetter to give Wisconsin the lead.
The Badgers blew the game wide open in the final frame. Kirsten Simms scored just two minutes into the period, then Jesse Compher added to the lead with a goal six minutes later. Wisconsin netminder Cami Kronish stood on her head, tallying 13 saves in the period to seal the game.
The Badgers controlled the faceoff circle, prevailing in 31 of the 49 draws. Wisconsin also led in the shots department, 40 to 29, and in blocks, 21-13.
Sunday’s victory was Wisconsin’s first over Minnesota since March 6, 2021, when the Badgers notched a 5-3 victory in the WCHA Final Faceoff semifinals. The Badgers’ record now stands at 11-2-1, 8-1-1 in WCHA play.
Wisconsin gets a week off to celebrate Thanksgiving, but are back in action on December 2. The Badgers will take the show on the road to face WCHA foe Bemidji State. The Badgers got the better of the Beavers in both games at LaBahn Arena last month, outscoring Bemidji State 15-1 over the two-game series.
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