Wisconsin hockey recap: Badgers defeat Michigan State, win back-to-back games

Some wins are pretty, others are ugly. Wisconsin's win over Michigan State on Friday night was of the sloppy variety.

Behind goals from defensemen Chase Drake and Kevin Schulze, the Badgers were able to secure a 2-1 victory in front of a sparse crowd of 9,122 at the Kohl Center Friday night.

The win was Wisconsin's second in a row and first on a Friday this season.

"It all falls in line with our second-half goals of wanting to play our best hockey in March," head coach Mike Eaves said after the game. "By getting a couple wins in a row, getting our first win on the road, those are all indicators that we're moving in the right direction."

An ugly, defensive first period put the relaxed Kohl Center crowd into a trance.

Wisconsin would increase the intensity in the second period, scoring a pair of goals. Drake would get the Badgers on the board 6:16 into the period shortly after an offensive zone faceoff. The Badgers would add a tally from Schulze with just with just 28 seconds remaining in the period.

Michigan State would cut Wisconsin's lead in half on the power play just 2:11 into the third period on Joe Cox's third goal of the season.

In the waning moments of the game, Michigan State would fire a bevy of shots at the Wisconsin net, but Badgers' goaltender Joel Rumpel was up to the challenge. Rumpel finished the night with 32 saves on 33 shots.

"We've had a tough stretch there and we're picking up momentum now," Drake said. "I think guys are excited to come to the rink. When you win, it always makes everything better, so yeah there's definitely a positive light for us now."

For more hockey coverage, follow Andy on Twitter -- Follow @AndyJohnsonB5Q
You can also reach Andy via e-mail (AndyJohnsonB5Q@gmail.com)