MADISON, Wis. – The University of Notre Dame hockey team fell 3-7 in game one at University of Wisconsin, Friday night inside the Kohl Center. Despite an even push through the final 40 minutes of play, a four-goal first period deficit proved too much to overcome for the Irish in game one of the weekend series.
Wisconsin opened the scoring early in the first with a shot that sailed over Say’s glove. The heated contest led to some pushing and shoving on the blue line at 9:56, which sent an Irish skater to the box for interference and Notre Dame’s penalty kill unit was tested for the first time of the night. The kill was short-lived as the Badgers were called for an interference infraction of their own 65 seconds later which made it four-on-four hockey for 55 seconds.
The Badgers would score twice more before Catalino Family Head Hockey Coach Jeff Jackson made a change in goal with 6:25 to play in the first, sending Nicholas Kempf to the crease in relief of Owen Say.
Wisconsin would sneak one past Kempf before the end of the period to make it a 4-0 contest through 20 minutes played.
Cole Knuble sparked the Irish offense just 27 seconds into the second period as the forward line of Danny Nelson, Brennan Ali and Knuble created an odd man rush up ice into the Wisconsin zone to get on the board.
A powerplay goal by D. Nelson less than three minutes into the second period cut the Badgers lead in half as he sent a shot top shelf for his 12th of the season.
The Badgers headed to the box for two minutes halfway through the second for boarding. Axel Kumlin had a shot on goal with one second remaining in the powerplay but could not convert.
Two quick goals from the Badgers offense had them reclaim their four-goal lead as the Irish trailed 6-2 with 7:46 remaining in the second.
The score would remain stagnant through the end of the frame as the Irish fought to overcome the four-goal deficit in the third.
The Irish opened the final frame down a pair of starters as a pair of penalties went against the visitors just 20 seconds into the period and the Irish were tasked with a five-on-three disadvantage for a full two minutes.
The kill successfully lasted 1:54 before a hooking call against the Badgers sent them to the box as Knuble tried to clear the puck. The Irish returned to full strength and saw their fourth powerplay opportunity of the night.
Janicke added another powerplay tally for the Irish Friday night when he batted the puck from midair at 3:42…