WCHA Final Round Preview

Ceci De Young/Gophers Athletics

The WCHA Final Round kicks off tomorrow. Here’s everything you missed from the first round and how the matchups look for the Final Round.

Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs vs Minnesota State Mavericks

Starting off Round 1 was the Minnesota State Mavericks visiting the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs. Heading into the playoff the Bulldogs were 3-0-0-0-1 against the Mavericks, leaving them the heavy favorite. Game 1 kicked off how everyone anticipated with the Bulldogs continuing their win streak. But Game 2 took a turn when the Mavericks got on the board first leaving the Bulldogs chasing. Thea Johansson was able to find the equalizer early in the second, but neither team was able to finish it in regulation. In overtime, it was Whitney Tuttle who was the hero, keeping the Mavericks playoff run alive, forcing a Game 3. 

In Game 3 the Mavericks once again struck first, but the Bulldogs were able to rally and find an answer, tying the game heading into the first intermission. Midway through the second period Ava Guillemette found the go-ahead goal for what ultimately became the game winner, sending the Mavericks to the WCHA Final Round. 

Ohio State Buckeyes vs St. Thomas Tommies

Up next, was the Ohio State Buckeyes taking on the St. Thomas Tommies. This season the Buckeyes were and are undefeated against the Tommies as the Round played out as everyone anticipated with the Buckeyes dominating. In Game 1 the Buckeyes came out with a 5-1 victory, well in Game 2 they found a 4-1 win to punch their ticket to the WCHA Final Round. The Buckeyes have continued to grow their program and set up for future success with strong players ranking from freshman to senior. The most noticeable for the Buckeyes in Round 1 was Sara Swiderski with 2 goals and 3 assists.

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs St. Cloud Huskies 

Continuing Round 1 was the Minnesota Golden Gophers taking on the St. Cloud Huskies. Entering the playoffs the Gophers were undefeated against the Huskies this season, but after a series of losses through the Olympics it left the door open for the Huskies, who cracked it open in Game 1 to take the series lead with a 1-0 OT nail-biter. But the Gophers weren’t going to give up that easily and rallied for dominant Games 2 and 3 to punch their ticket to the WCHA Final Round. 

Wisconsin Badgers vs Bemidji State Beavers 

Rounding out the weekend slate was the Wisconsin Badgers vs the Bemidji State Beavers. This season the Badgers are undefeated against the Beavers. The Badgers kicked off the series with a dominant 7-0 shutout. In Game 2 the Beavers battled back, slowing a strong Badgers team, but it wouldn’t be enough to upset the reigning champs, who claimed a 3-2 victory to punch their ticket to the WCHA Final Round. 

WCHA Final Round 

Wisconsin Badgers vs Minnesota State Mavericks 

Kicking off the WCHA Final Round is the Wisconsin Badgers taking on the Minnesota State Mavericks. This season the Badgers are undefeated against the Mavericks outscoring them 21-2 in their four matchups. The Wisconsin Badgers are looking to defend their title well the Mavericks look to push through for the first time in program history. 

For the Badgers the player to watch is senior defender, Laila Edwards who has continued to grow her two way game contributing 39 points for the Badgers this season. Edwards is coming off an Golden Olympic debut with the USA, where she made history as the first Black woman to represent the USA in ice hockey. In her debut she contributed 2 goals and 6 assists, including the primary assist on Hilary Knight’s history making goal that sent the gold-medal game to overtime. 

For the Mavericks the player to watch is senior forward Whitney Tuttle who had the overtime winner for the Mavericks in Game 2 to keep their playoff dreams alive. This season Tuttle has 19 points, 2 of those coming in Round 1. 

Ohio State Buckeyes vs Minnesota Golden Gophers 

Adding to the excitement is the Ohio State Buckeyes taking on the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This season the Buckeyes are 3-1 against the Gophers, outscoring them 14-10 in their four matchups. The Ohio State Buckeyes are looking to make a run back to the top well the Gophers look to make a run of their own. 

For the Buckeyes the player to watch is senior defender Sara Swiderski, who put up an incredible performance in Round 1 with five points. The B.C. native has continued to grow her game on the offensive end with a career high, 26 points. 

For the Gophers the player to watch is graduating forward Abbey Murphy, who was just named WCHA Forward of the Year coming off a historic performance. In her final year with the Gophers Murphy became the all-time goal leader for the program with 140 goals. This season Murphy has continued to stun with 38 goals and 26 assists, including the viral Murphy dribble; you won’t want to blink when she’s on the ice as you never know what she’ll pull off next.

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