The Wisconsin Badgers’ return to the NCAA Tournament was short-lived, losing a 3-2 overtime heartbreaker to the defending national champion Quinnipiac Bobcats in the first round of the Providence Regional.
Wisconsin’s extended 19-day layoff after bowing out of the B1G Tournament raised questions about what to expect in the big dance, especially after Quinnipiac took the lead just over two minutes into the contest.
The Badgers bounced back in the second with two quick goals to take the lead before the Bobcats knotted it up before the period expired.
A scoreless third frame sent the game into overtime, where Quinnipiac netted the game-winner seconds after Wisconsin killed off a Mike Vorlicky slashing penalty.