At the end of the day, sports are a results-driven business. For the Wisconsin men's hockey team, business is close to going bankrupt.
The Badgers entered Friday night with an 0-6 record, but faced a team of almost equal futility, Colorado College, which had dropped its previous seven games.
The quality of opponent wasn't enough to change the results, as the Badgers were handled by the Tigers Friday night, dropping a non-conference contest against their old WCHA foes, 5-2. The loss dropped Wisconsin to 0-7 on the season, its worst start since it opened the season 0-9 in 1932-33.
"We still haven't gotten over that hump," Mike Eaves said. "We walk into that room and I look at guys and I think they're looking around for someone else to get it done."
Colorado College controlled the contest throughout. The Tigers received a first-period, power-play goal from Stevens Point, Wis., native Aaron Harstad and never looked back. CC took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission and a 4-1 lead into the second, before completing the 5-2 victory in the third period.
Wisconsin received goals from Jason Ford and Morgan Zulinick. Ford's goal was the first of his Wisconsin career.
The Badgers get right back into action on Saturday as they travel to Denver. The Pioneers throttled Air Force Friday night, 7-0. That comes one week after Denver destroyed this same Colorado College team, 8-1.
"We have to earn this," Eaves said. "It's not going to happen magically."
For more hockey coverage, follow Andy on Twitter -- Follow @AndyJohnsonB5Q
You can also reach Andy via e-mail (AndyJohnsonB5Q@gmail.com)