Wisconsin splits series with Wolverines

Sunday, December 1

Madison

4 p.m.

Wisconsin Badgers

7-8-1, 2-5-1-1B1G

Michigan

5-9-2, 1-6-1-0B1G

Michigan

Wisconsin

Photo by: Tom Lynn

Wisconsin splits series with Wolverines

December 01, 2019 | Men's Hockey

Box Score

Caufield scores 10th goal, Lebedeff season-high saves

By: Victoria Dombeck

MADISON, Wis. -- On a rare Sunday game at the Kohl Center, the No. 19 Badger men's hockey team (7-8-1, 2-5-1-1 Big Ten) dropped the second game of the series, 3-1, against the Michigan Wolverines (5-9-2, 1-6-1-0).

The Badgers gave up a goal in each period in the loss, while freshman forward Cole Caufield attempted to start the Badger comeback in the third period with his 10th goal of the season.

Wisconsin ran out of time for their third consecutive comeback and a Michigan empty-net goal sealed the Wolverine win with 45 seconds remaining in the game.

The assist on the lone goal went to sophomore defenseman K'Andre Miller, who extended his career-long point streak to a team season-best six games.

Sophomore goaltender Daniel Lebedeff notched 40 saves in the defeat.

Notes to know:

Caufield is the first Badger to reach double-digit goals this season, leading Wisconsin with 18 total points on the year.
Lebedeff's 40 saves is his highest number on the season.

Straight from the rink:
Head Coach Tony Granato
"I think it is two games in a row that we didn't get going early enough to get ourselves a chance at success. You're chasing it all game and it makes it awful hard. I like the fact that we came close to coming back. It felt like it was the last two games that we played. Even though we were behind two goals we thought we could come back and win, but you can't keep going back to the same card."

On goaltender Daniel Lebedeff
"He gave us a chance for sure. He gave us an outstanding effort both nights. He was there at the end of last night's game and secured that victory and tonight he held us in the game. A 2-on-0 goal is pretty tough. Another one early in the game, a point-blanker from right in front. He couldn't do anything on those two goals so I thought he was great."

Freshman forward Cole Caufield on his post leading to a Michigan short-handed goal.
"It's a tough bounce. Again it is hockey, you can't really control it. It's tough giving up a 2-on-0. We were all going forward there and we couldn't get back. It is a tough goal to allow there, there is nothing Daniel [Lebedeff] could've done about it. The bounces just weren't going our way tonight."

Junior captain Wyatt Kalynuk
"I think we just came out flat again. Unlike last night, we just didn't get anything that came our way in the third. I think our start was lackluster again. Had some bounces in the third and had some calls that could've gone either way and we just didn't get the bounces we got last night."

Up next: The Badgers will travel to Michigan State next weekend for their last series before the mid-season break. The Spartans are 6-7-1 on the season thus far, but 4-3-1 in Big Ten play. Game time is 6 p.m. both Friday and Saturday night from East Lansing. Catch both games steaming on BTN+ with radio on 1310 WIBA on Friday and 1070 WTSO on Saturday.