Wisconsin survived a determined comeback attempt by Granite City on the way to a 5-4 win.
A goal by Taylor Dickert put Wisconsin up 5-2 in the third period, but Granite City pulled to within one on Braden Altena\’s tally 18:01 into the third period.
Wisconsin\’s penalty kill excelled, as Wisconsin gave up one goal despite allowing six power plays.
Wisconsin was helped by Nathan Viberg, who racked up one goal. Viberg scored on the power play 4:48 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Wisconsin. Wisconsin had gotten the advantage when Granite City\’s Will Mix was sent off for interference. Connor Busch picked up the assist. Wisconsin additionally got points from Matthew Carr, who also grabbed one goal and one assist, Ben Ratner, who also had one goal and one assist, and Peter Henderson, who also registered one goal and one assist. More assists for Wisconsin came via Austin Lewis, who had two and Thomas Hanson and Jake McNamara, who contributed one each.
Granite City forced Wisconsin goalie Max McConnell to work between the pipes, taking 36 shots. Granite City gave up more goals than its normal season average. Granite City averages 2.4 goals allowed per game.
Granite City also had goals scored by Tanner Skaja and Chase Di Bari, who each put in one. In addition, Granite City received assists from Casey Esselman, Spencer Nelson, Kevin Finley, and Matt Flom, who each chipped in one.
Wisconsin\’s McConnell stopped 32 shots out of the 35 that he faced. Wisconsin incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Mac Berglove made 11 saves before being replaced by Nathan Isaacson, who took the loss and made eight saves. Granite City ended with 15 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major.