Michigan's Defense Shuts Down Badgers
November 29, 2002 | Men's Hockey
The Badgers took on eighth-ranked Michigan Friday night, their fifth top-10 ranked opponent in the last seven games, in opening action of the 10th annual College Hockey Showcase. Wisconsin got on the board first on a shot from the right point by senior defenseman Mark Jackson (St. Albert, Alberta). It was his fourth of the year on assists from Jake Heisler (Bloomington, Minn.) and John Eichelberger (Glencoe, Ill.). The Wolverines knotted the game with a shorthanded tally by sophomore blueliner Eric Werner. Michigan gained control of the puck and moved up ice setting up the man-down score at the 11:11 point.
The first period looked like it would end in a 1-1 tie, but with four seconds remaining, junior defenseman Jon Krall (Temperance, Michigan) was whistled for hitting after the whistle. The faceoff was in the Wolverine zone to the right of Badger netminder Bernd Bruckler. After John Shouneyia won the face off, sophomore Eric Nystrom took a shot which deflected off a Wolverine player back to Shouneyia who netted his fourth of the year as the horn sounded at 19:59.
The Wolverines increased their lead early in the second period when Jeff Tambellini fired the puck in from the slot off a drop pass from teammate Mark Mink. Nick Martens also assisted on Michigan's third goal of the game. Just over ten minutes later, Michigan's Danny Richmond passed the puck from the point up to Jason Ryznar, who carried it up to the crease. Ryznar faked a shot and instead passed the puck to David Moss, who was right in front of the net and knocked it in for the final goal of the game.
Despite the numerous power-play opportunities, the third period remained scoreless. Wisconsn finished the game 0-9 on the power play, while Michigan was 1-5.
Bruckler made 16 saves in the loss.
Tomorrow night College Hockey Showcase action will continue as the Michigan State Spartans travel to the Kohl Center to face off against the Badgers at 7:05 p.m.
