Wisconsin's Dexheimer scores OT winner to reach Frozen Four

Badgers rally from 3-1 deficit to beat Michigan State in NCAA Regional Final

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic energy and motion of a hockey game, with players and the puck fractured into overlapping angular shapes and planes of color.Wisconsin's dramatic comeback victory over Michigan State in the NCAA hockey tournament showcases the Badgers' resilience and determination to reach the Frozen Four.Worcester Today

Wisconsin men's hockey senior captain Ben Dexheimer scored the game-winning goal just 24 seconds into overtime to defeat Michigan State 4-3 and send the Badgers to the Frozen Four of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010.

Why it matters

Wisconsin's dramatic comeback victory over Michigan State in the NCAA Regional Final keeps the Badgers' season alive and advances them to the prestigious Frozen Four, college hockey's version of the Final Four. This marks a significant milestone for the program as they look to capture their first national championship since 2006.

The details

After Michigan State took a 3-1 lead with 12 minutes remaining in regulation, Wisconsin mounted a furious rally. Luke Osburn scored with 4:47 left to pull the Badgers within one, and Gavin Morrissey tied the game at 3-3 with just 34 seconds remaining to force overtime. In the extra period, Dexheimer ended the game quickly, scoring the game-winner just 24 seconds into OT to complete the comeback and send Wisconsin to the Frozen Four.

  • Wisconsin scored the opening goal 18 seconds into the second period.
  • Michigan State took a 3-1 lead with 12 minutes remaining in regulation.
  • Luke Osburn scored to make it 3-2 with 4:47 left in the third period.
  • Gavin Morrissey tied the game at 3-3 with 34 seconds left in the third period.
  • Ben Dexheimer scored the game-winning goal 24 seconds into overtime.

The players

Ben Dexheimer

The senior captain of the Wisconsin men's hockey team, who scored the game-winning goal in overtime to send the Badgers to the Frozen Four.

Luke Osburn

A Wisconsin player who scored a goal in the third period to pull the Badgers within one and start their comeback.

Gavin Morrissey

A Wisconsin player who scored the game-tying goal with 34 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

Quinn Finley

A Wisconsin player who scored the opening goal of the game just 18 seconds into the second period.

Michigan State

The opponent that Wisconsin defeated in the NCAA Regional Final to advance to the Frozen Four.

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What they’re saying

“We never gave up, even when we were down 3-1. The guys showed a lot of heart and determination to come back and win it in overtime.”

— Tony Granato, Wisconsin Head Coach

What’s next

Wisconsin will face North Dakota on April 9 in Las Vegas in the Frozen Four, with the winner advancing to the national championship game.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's thrilling comeback victory over Michigan State showcases the Badgers' resilience and ability to battle back from a late deficit. This win propels the program to the Frozen Four for the first time in over a decade, setting the stage for a potential national championship run.