Wisconsin could have finished last in the conference were it not for their monumental sweep of Michigan last weekend. Their reward is a trip to Hockey Valley to play against the Big Ten’s (and the nation’s) highest-scoring team in the Big Ten Quarterfinal.
Penn State
I’m not sure of what to think of these guys aside from their offense. Yes, they score more than anyone in the nation. But they’re also dead-last in goals against during Big Ten play. They’ve played a ton of fun, high-scoring games. That’s good for fans, not so good for the confidence of their goalies. The fact that they can score no matter what the situation on the ice is puts them in a class of their own. Where some teams rely on the man advantage, Penn State just goes out and does their thing. They find ways to score goals like no other team in college hockey.
As bad as Michigan’s goalies have been, Penn State’s have been worse. That’s not a good look at all. They also take a ton of penalties. They’re fifth in PK% which probably contributes to junior netminder Peyton Jones’ save percentage. However, they did tie Ohio State in short handed goals.
In short, they’ve got the hungriest, most dangerous group of forwards in the conference. That offense just happens to be complemented by a volatile shit show on the other end. It happens, it’s ok.
Wisconsin
Tony Granato might have these guys buying in at the right time of the year. The Badgers spent most of their season chillin in the basement of the conference standings. After back-to-back upsets of Michigan, they finished at fifth. I thought this was a last-place team through and through but they took advantage of Michigan’s weak goaltending and could do the same thing against Penn State.
Wisconsin scored more goals per game than only Michigan State and Notre Dame. They were the worst team with the man advantage. They had the second-worst PK% and took more penalties than anyone in the Big Ten. It’s easy to see why they hung around the bottom of the Big Ten standings all season. You may have noticed this, but special teams are pretty important. Furthermore, you can exacerbate bad special teams by putting yourself in bad positions by doing things like taking the most penalties in league play.
Players to Watch
Penn State, F Denis Smirnov
He’s got a great name and he’s an exciting player. Should have a big weekend.
Wisconsin, G Daniel Lebedeff
He’s had a rough season playing behind the hapless Badgers. He’s my player to watch because you might not have much choice. Lebedeff is going to get a lot of work and see a lot of shots.
Keys
Keeping Pace
The Nittany Lions are going to score. Wisconsin is going to have to be able to keep pace to stay in these games. They’ll have some weak goaltending to pick at, but they have to capitalize on their chances.
Limiting PK time
Wisconsin cannot let Penn State set up their power play. Penn State will also have to keep the Badger power play off the ice, even if it is one of the worst in the country.
Prediction
2-1, Penn State. They’ve got too much offensive prowess. The last series these teams played was wild. Each team got blown out once. I can see that happening again. But someone’s gotta win two.