Daniel Laatsch's game-winner lifts UW hockey to first win of season over ranked opponent

Daniel Laatsch doesn’t score often, but when he does reach the back of the net, good things usually happen.

The Wisconsin junior defenseman scored the second game-winner of his career Friday night to help the Badgers post a 4-2 victory at No. 17 Michigan Tech in front of 3,394 at John MacInnes Student Arena in Houghton, Michigan.

The victory was UW's first over a ranked open under first-year coach Mike Hastings. It improved the team's record to 4-1, the program's best start since 2017-18.

UW will try to complete the sweep at 5 p.m. Saturday (flohockey.tv).

Laatsch’s goal came at the 7-minute 42-second mark of the third period off passes from graduate student Mike Vorlicky and senior Mathieu De St. Phalle. Sophomore Cruz Lucius added an empty net goal in the final 2 minutes to give the Badgers their final margin of victory.

Nine players scored a point for the Badgers. Lucius (one goal, one assist) posted his second two-point game of the season. De St. Phalle (two assists) also had a two-point night.

Wisconsin was out-shot, 29-22. It did a better job limiting its penalties, though two of its season-low three penalties led to two power-play goals. The second gave the CCHA favorite a 2-1 advantage late in the second period.

However, senior David Silye’s goal during the final seconds of the period tied the game and set the stage for the Badgers' second come-from-behind win of the season.

Laatsch's game-winner was the second of his career. His first came in a 3-1 victory over No. 1 Minnesota Feb. 11.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Daniel Laatsch game-winner lifts Wiconsin hockey past Michigan Tech