Huge game by Zhang boosts Illinois over Wisconsin, 9-3
Behind a great game by Christopher Zhang, who had one goal and two assists, Illinois defeated Wisconsin, 9-3.
Zhang scored 7:37 into the second period to make the score 4-2 Illinois. Jake Cimarusti assisted on the tally. Zhang dished an assist on Cimarusti's goal that made the score 5-2 Illinois at 12:27 into the second period. He added another helper on Cimarusti's goal that made the score 9-3 Illinois at 10:28 into the third period.Wisconsin was unable to stop Illinois from sending pucks towards the net, and Illinois eventually piled up 38 shots on goal. Illinois surpassed its usual scoring output this season. Illinois averages 6.2 goals per game.
Illinois also got points from Robert Ernsting, who also grabbed two goals and one assist, Cimarusti, who also registered two goals and one assist, and Thomas Feldman, who also finished with two goals and one assist to lead the team in points. Others who scored for Illinois included Jack Dolby and Michael DeSalvo, who each put in one. In addition, Illinois received assists from Brent Segvich and Nick Pietro, who contributed one each and Chad Yale and Alex Merritt, who each chipped in two.
Wisconsin was held below its usual level of production. Wisconsin averages 5.8 goals per game. Wisconsin's defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals.
Wisconsin was helped by Ryan Mantz, who had one goal. Mantz scored 4:04 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Wisconsin. Lucas Kreuser picked up the assist. Wisconsin also had goals scored by Nate Anderson and Steven Spencer, who scored one goal each.
Illinois' starting goalie, Bradley Neal, made 14 saves and finished with the win before he was taken out in favor of Jack Junge, who stopped zero shots. Illinois finished the contest with no penalties and went 0-for-2 with the man advantage. William Shober made 29 saves for Wisconsin on 38 shots. Wisconsin incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors and had no power play opportunities.
