Women's hockey series of the week: No. 5 Minnesota vs. No. 2 Wisconsin

Collegiate women’s hockey is nearing the end of its regular season, but there are still many exciting matchups to go.

This weekend, the No. 2 Wisconsin Badgers will host the No. 5 Minnesota Golden Gophers for what is sure to be a fierce WCHA conference matchup. Both teams are on impressive winning streaks which they will look to continue heading into playoffs.

The Badger’s outstanding season has led them to an overall record of 26-4-0 and a conference record of 20-4-0. They are a high-scoring team averaging 5.4 goals per game with a 0.130 shot percentage.

Sophomore Kirsten Simms is the Badger’s top scorer this season. Her 25 goals and 31 assists combine for an impressive total of 56 points. Redshirt Junior Lacey Eden follows closely behind her with 23 goals.

The Badgers’ skill is not limited to their offense. Sophomore defender Caroline Harvey earned back-to-back WCHA Defender of the Week honors for her impressive performance both in the back line and all around the ice. Despite only playing in 21 games this season, Harvey leads all defenders in the WCHA with 31 points thanks to her five goals and 26 assists.

The Golden Gophers hold a similarly impressive record of 24-5-1. After shutting out No. 10 St. Cloud State, Minnesota junior Skylar Vetter was named WCHA goaltender of the week.

Vetter is the Gophers’ record holder for saves in a single game which she set on Oct. 27 of this season against Ohio State. She has tallied 1,411 total for her career, allowing just 1.86 goals against her on average.

Like Wisconsin, Minnesota is also dangerous on the offensive end. In game two against St. Cloud, they put up four goals in the third period to secure the 5-1 victory and series sweep. Ella Huber scored twice along with Madison Kaiser, Ava Lindsay, and Abbey Murphy who put up one goal apiece.

The Golden Gophers lead 57-48-16 in the all-time series with Wisconsin, but the Badgers were the ones who emerged victorious in the 2022-23 season. They captured both series wins against Minnesota in the regular season before knocking them out in the national semifinal game.

When the two teams met earlier this season, they split the series. Minnesota took the opener 5-3, but Wisconsin bounced back and won game two 5-1. Only time will tell who will emerge victorious from their second matchup of the season.

This upcoming border battle is set to take place at La Bahn Arena on Friday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb 17 at 2 p.m.

Anna Licastro is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email arl5942@psu.edu.