Men's Hockey January 20, 2017

Postgame Quotes: Wisconsin vs. Minnesota

Coach and player quotes

Men's Hockey January 20, 2017

Postgame Quotes: Wisconsin vs. Minnesota

Coach and player quotes

Head Coach Tony Granato
On what it feels like to have such an intense game end the way it did:
"Obviously we had a chance to win the game, I think what we can learn from tonight is that we played a really good hockey team and they took it to us for sure from the start of the game. Then we got on track and started to play a little bit better and fought like crazy to get even with them, but we've got to learn to be sharper early in the game. Berry was really big for us early in the game. It could've been a bigger lead for them, so that was important too. But I really liked how hard we competed to get back into it. That was certainly a positive sign and the energy in the building was great. It turned out to be a great hockey game, we just had a start where they came after us. That's a heck of a team and they didn't let us get to our game, they kept us on our heels and off-balance all period and that's why they're ranked five and six in the country."

On the fourth line's performance:
"They were great. They scored a big goal to tie it there in the second period, and then had a following shift in their end where they had another great opportunity to actually give us a lead. It's been a common theme all year when we talk about those guys who the fourth line is made up of, they've added something to our lineup every single night. That has been a positive thing for us. It's put us in a position where we've have to make hard decisions on who's in and out of the lineup, but when you put them on the ice they do what they're supposed to do. It's a very effective line, a working line, they play pretty simple. Two games in a row now Matt Ustaski's scored so he's gaining confidence. He's got a lot of skill, and he's going to be a player that we're going to have to continue to push to keep developing because he can be something for us. He's done a lot and I look forward to watching him in the second half. Hopefully he keeps improving and contributing like he has been."

On Minnesota's shot-blocks in overtime:
"What it showed you from Minnesota's standpoint was that they lay their bodies in front, similar to what we did last week when Luke Kunin made those big blocks on a five-on-three. So it just shows how committed they were to keeping it out of their net. In the last 30 seconds of the game we had a lot of momentum with that shift, but Minnesota has so much speed that if you fall asleep for one second and give them one opportunity on a rush, they can beat you and that's what happened in overtime."

On creating scoring opportunities through getting the puck deep on a forecheck rather than speed-driven rush opportunities:
"It's just how it evolved. I thought we had chances to make plays on the rush in the first two periods. Minnesota did a good job, we'll give them credit, and when we weren't able to do it on the rush I thought we did a nice job of winning battles down low, using our defensemen and creating offense that way. When a team is playing the way Minnesota did, you have to find different ways of manufacturing goals and at least we got more of our own chances in that way than we did on a rush."

On the defensive zone coverage during Minnesota's goals:
"I thought we could've been better but I want to give them credit tonight from the standpoint that they're ranked as high as they are because of the skill that they have. They came after us early in the game, we didn't get to our game fast enough, so we'll have to be sharper earlier tomorrow and you have to play 60 minutes against a team like that if you're going to win. Tonight we played good for lots of the game, but we need to be better for 60."

On how much it means to him to see the Kohl Center energized in overtime:
"It meant a lot. This program and Badger hockey, the energy that the fans and band and community supply is great. It was an entertaining game. It wasn't our best game of the year, but again that's a heck of team over there and we'll be better tomorrow. I look forward to having the same energetic crowd night-after-night now for the rest of the way. We've got a heck of a team to watch, so hopefully we'll continue filling the place and have that energy to support us."

On Trent Frederic's line chemistry:
"They really play well off of each other. They all have tremendous skill. Freddy is an elite center and with a goal-scorer on one side of him and a guy that can make a ton of plays on the other. They compliment each other really well and they're certainly a go-to line for us."

Forward Matt Ustaski
On his line's effectiveness tonight
"Controlling the puck was the message the whole week. Also getting pucks down low and working their defense was the message in practice. When it was clicking down low, we were able to create some momentum for ourselves and capitalize on a couple goals."

On seemingly increased team chemistry the past few outings
"Winning the 50-50 battles and races down the ice are big. I think we're all pretty good skaters with getting up and down the ice. Especially when the puck is in the offensive zone in the corners. We really worked the cycle tonight and put a lot of shots on net. I think we've been doing a good job of that."

Forward Will Johnson
On the comfort factor within his line
"I've gotten to play with both of them quite a bit and they are both pretty amazing players. They are easy to work with and you can find them anywhere – they're going to be where you want them to be. It helps that (Jason) Ford is always coming down the ice to help me out on the offensive and defensive side of the puck. Wagner gets to the corner really well. They both really help me out."

On recent surge in offensive productivity
"The coaches always talk about confidence with the puck. I've really taken that to heart. I know when I get the puck I can hold it for a little while and that the coaches want me to find the passes. Their system really helps me out. It's been key the last few games."

On giving up chances in front of the net
"It was very back-and-forth. We were crashing on their net and they were crashing ours. They got those couple bounces and we didn't get them today."

Forward Cameron Hughes
On losing the first game in the border battle
"It was tough. The bottom line is we have to come out and be ready to play the whole 60. We did a lot of good things and we need to remember that when we played our game and our style, we had success. I think you all saw it for the last two periods."

On confidence with the puck to try to get around people on the last UW goal
"Everything happens pretty quick. It happens so fast. It was a pretty fun game for all of us but we're just looking forward to tomorrow."

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Players Mentioned

#19 Cameron Hughes: F; 6' 0"; Junior; BOS

#17 Will Johnson: F; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#9 Luke Kunin: F; 6' 0"; Sophomore; MIN

#27 Matt Ustaski: F; 6' 6"; Junior; WPG

#34 Trent Frederic: F; 6' 2"; Freshman; BOS

Players Mentioned

#19 Cameron Hughes
: 6' 0"; Junior; BOS
: F

#17 Will Johnson
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: F

#9 Luke Kunin
: 6' 0"; Sophomore; MIN
: F

#27 Matt Ustaski
: 6' 6"; Junior; WPG
: F

#34 Trent Frederic
: 6' 2"; Freshman; BOS
: F

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