Wisconsin Men's Hockey Faces No. 2 Michigan in Home Series Finale

Badgers look to enhance NCAA tournament hopes and Big Ten standing in final home games of the season

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Wisconsin men's hockey team is set to host No. 2 Michigan in their final home series of the regular season. The series holds multiple layers of importance, as the Badgers look to enhance their NCAA tournament resume, move up in the Big Ten standings, and celebrate their seven senior players on Senior Day. Wisconsin has righted the ship after a recent six-game losing streak, and the return of key players like Gavin Morrissey and Vasily Zelenov has boosted the team's scoring. However, the Badgers will need to tighten up their defense to slow down Michigan's potent offense.

Why it matters

This series is crucial for Wisconsin's NCAA tournament hopes, as they look to improve their standing in the new NCAA Power Index metric. A strong performance against the second-ranked Wolverines could also help the Badgers move up in the Big Ten standings. Additionally, the series marks the final home games for Wisconsin's seven seniors, making it an emotional and meaningful weekend for the program.

The details

Wisconsin (18-10-2, 11-9 Big Ten) is coming off a recent six-game losing streak but has won three of its last four games. The return of forwards Gavin Morrissey and Vasily Zelenov has boosted the team's scoring, which dipped to just two goals per game during the losing streak. However, the Badgers' defense has been a concern, allowing at least four goals in two games against last-place Notre Dame and giving up the game-winner at Ohio State after a defensive zone turnover. Wisconsin will also have uncertainty in goal, as freshman Daniel Hauser is questionable with an upper body injury. Michigan (24-5-1) leads the nation in scoring (4.7 goals per game), power play percentage (.306), and is tied for 11th in scoring defense (2.37 goals per game), presenting a major challenge for the Badgers.

  • The series takes place on February 20-21, 2026.
  • Saturday's game is Senior Day, where Wisconsin will recognize its seven seniors.

The players

Mike Hastings

Wisconsin men's hockey head coach.

Ben Dexheimer

Wisconsin men's hockey team captain.

Christian Fitzgerald

Wisconsin men's hockey senior who started his career at Minnesota State before joining the Badgers.

Simon Tassy

Wisconsin men's hockey senior who also started his career at Minnesota State before joining the Badgers.

Gavin Morrissey

Wisconsin men's hockey sophomore forward who missed the Penn State series but has seven points in the six games since returning.

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What they’re saying

“It's our last two home games of our regular season and we're playing for our playoff life. We're playing for the (NCAA Power Index). At the end of the day, we're playing for Friday.”

— Mike Hastings, Wisconsin men's hockey head coach

“I think we just need to continue to tighten up our D zone. I think that's something we've kind of been struggling a little bit with at times this second half, so I think it's something we've kind of focused on in practice here and something we need to kind of continue to build on in games, especially down this next stretch will be huge for us.”

— Christian Fitzgerald, Wisconsin men's hockey senior

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.