Badgers Stun No. 2 Michigan in Madison
No. 13/14 Wisconsin opened the season with a 4‑1 victory over No. 2 Michigan at the Kohl Center, handing the Wolverines their first loss of the year.
The Badgers erupted in the second period, netting three unanswered goals that turned a 1‑0 deficit into a 3‑1 lead. Quinn Finley, Vasily Zelenov and Adam Pietila each found the net at even strength, while Jack Horbach capped the burst with an empty‑net marker.
Freshman net‑minder Eli Pulver turned in 22 saves, preserving the advantage while Michigan managed only a power‑play goal in the opening frame.
Wisconsin outshot the Wolverines 39‑23, a testament to the Badgers’ aggressive forecheck, and improved to 2‑1 against Michigan this season. The win also pushed the team to four victories over top‑two opponents so far.
Coach Mike Hastings praised the depth of his roster, noting contributions from veterans and newcomers alike, including senior forward Christian Fitzgerald, whose point streak now stretches to six games, and freshman Vasily Zelenov, whose streak reaches four.
The Badgers, now 2‑1 in their season series with the Wolverines, look to carry the momentum into upcoming conference play, with senior captain Will Horcoff and rookie Grady Deering expected to anchor the next lineups.
The contest was held at the Kohl Center, the home venue of the University of Wisconsin, while the opposing team represents the University of Michigan.