WCHA Playoffs Against Wisconsin Kicks Off Tonight

(above) Justin Schultz

From: Wisconsin State Journal

The University of Wisconsin was mired in a four-game losing streak when Denver visited the Kohl Center for a two-game series in February. The Pioneers won the opener, 3-0, but the Badgers bounced back to win Game 2, 5-2.

Including that victory, Wisconsin went 4-1-0 over its final five games. The Badgers swept host Bemidji State and then gained a road split last weekend against Minnesota. The Badgers dominated play in the opener and won, 4-1, and then battled to the final minute before dropping a 2-1 decision in Game 2.

Asked to assess his team's confidence heading into the playoffs, UW coach Mike Eaves insisted the level was high and built on solid performances.

"It's legitimate," he said. "We feel it from the inside out, intrinsically. We've been on the road here the last couple weekends. We've won three out of four. We were in a position to win four out of four.

"So I think we understand what it takes, and we just get on that plane and head into Denver and continue what we've been doing. But I think it's legitimate, what we're feeling inside."