Justin Schultz became the first Wisconsin defenseman to score a hat trick in 18 years, and No. 16 Wisconsin broke a six-game winless skid with a 4-1 victory over Michigan State on Saturday.
Schultz scored three goals 18 years to the day after Barry Richter scored three at Minnesota-Duluth.
“The power play was working tonight, and pucks just seemed to go in for me,” Schultz said.
Schultz actually scored four times — a Michigan State goal credited to Zach Golembiewski deflected into the Badgers net after hitting Schultz.
Frankie Simonelli also scored for Wisconsin (7-6-3), which was 0-4-2 in its last six games entering Saturday.
Scott Gudmandson made 21 saves for the Badgers.
Drew Palmisano stopped 26 shots for Michigan State (5-7-3), which beat Minnesota 5-2 on Friday.
“We didn’t have the jump tonight we had last night,” Spartans coach Rick Comley said.
The game was the last for both teams in the 18-year history of the College Hockey Showcase, which matched Wisconsin and Minnesota from the WCHA against Michigan and Michigan State from the CCHA.
Video: Wisconsin coach Mike Eaves:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07GCx1QMiNk
Video: Wisconsin players Justin Schultz, Jake Gardiner and Scott Gudmandson:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDeLpYCz6mE
Video: Michigan State coach Rick Comley
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTEU7Z03a6Y
