Wisconsin shuts out Bemidji as Olympians make immediate impact

Top-ranked Wisconsin beat Bemidji State 7-0 in Game 1 of a WCHA first-round series, with five returning Olympians combining for nine points and junior goalie Ava McNaughton earning her seventh shutout of the season.

Wisconsin's five Olympians returned to the lineup for Game 1 of a WCHA first-round series and the top-ranked Badgers moved decisively. The team won 7-0 over Bemidji State at LaBahn Arena on Feb. 27. The returning Olympians combined for nine points and four goals. Junior goaltender Ava McNaughton recorded what the article reports as her seventh shutout of the season. Game details: - Final score was Wisconsin 7, Bemidji State 0 in Game 1 of the WCHA first-round series. - The five returning Olympians combined for nine points and four goals in the game. - Ava McNaughton had a shutout and stopped a penalty shot with 1:25 left in the second period. - Wisconsin opened strongly with three goals in the first 16 minutes and held a heavy shot advantage early; the team had a 20-2 edge in shots on goal in the first period that matched Bemidji’s total for the night. - Juniors Laney Potter and Cassie Hall scored in the first nine minutes, and player Sapovalivova converted a goal after a play involving Simms and Harvey. - The article lists Wisconsin at 30-3-2 and Bemidji State at 6-26-3, and notes Wisconsin can complete a sweep in Game 2. Summary: The win gave Wisconsin a dominant Game 1 performance and reintegrated players who had been at the Olympics into the playoff lineup. Coach Mark Johnson noted players may have more to give after recent emotional and physical demands. Wisconsin is scheduled to play Game 2 at 3 p.m. Saturday to potentially complete the series sweep.