April 8, 2010
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Wisconsin Rolls to Title Game With 8-1 Win Over RIT
CHN Staff Report
Blake Geoffrion scores the goal that put Wisconin up 5-0 in the second period. (photo: Joe Koshollek)
DETROIT — Seven different players scored, as Wisconsin rolled over RIT, 8-1, in the first Frozen Four semifinal Thursday at Detroit's Ford Field.
Exhibiting its trademark balanced attack, Derek Stepan was the only player to score twice for Wisconsin, putting in his 11th of the season in the first period, then adding one in the third.
RIT was on a Cinderella run, coming out of Atlantic Hockey as regular season and tournament champions, then stunning Denver and New Hampshire in the NCAA East regional. But the Tigers could not maintain the magic, and were overwhelmed by Wisconsin almost from the beginning.
"I don't want to say we were in awe, but they looked much more determined," RIT coach Wayne Wilson said.
It took just 1:27 for John Mitchell to put Wisconsin out in front, scoring on a rebound. Stepan's goal made it 2-0 after one period.
The Badgers then broke it open completely in the second period, scoring four times, including three power-play goals. Two of those came on a two-man advantage, aided by a five-minute major to RIT's Mark Cornacchia for hitting from behind.
Michael Davies, the team's leading point scorer, buried his 20th of the season for a 5-0 Wisconsin lead. Then, at 13:24, captain Blake Geoffrion scored his 28th goal of the season for a 6-0 lead.
RIT's only goal came with 28 seconds left in the second, a power-play goal by Tyler Brenner.
Wisconsin will face the winner of the late game, Miami or Boston College, in the national championship game Saturday at 7 p.m. (ET).
Wisconsin has won six previous national championships, the most recent coming in 2006. It has also won twice in five previous Frozen Fours held in Detroit.
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