Wisconsin Badgers men’s hockey coach Mike Eaves said that freshman wing Podge Turnbull may be the team’s solution for a first line that is in vital need of consistency.
Eaves’ comments came as he addressed the media in his weekly press conference Monday, following a loss against No. 2 Michigan and a tie with No. 5 Michigan State over the weekend.
Eaves made a point of the improved energy from Turnbull in Saturday’s match-up with the Spartans. It was only several weeks ago that Eaves was explaining his benching of the 19-year-old as a message to him to “step it up a bit.”
“If Podge Turnbull can play with that kind of energy and with his abilities like he did Saturday night, that could be a real good line for us,” Eaves told reporters. “So that was very encouraging.”
Turnbull joined freshman Kyle Turris and junior assistant captain Ben Street on a line that has seen its fair share of turnover this season.
Seniors Matthew Ford and Josh Engel and sophomore Michael Davies have all seen action with Turris and Street, but there has been little production. Eaves said that could change if Turnbull can play in the manner he did Saturday.
“He’s a freshman—he’s getting used to this level,” Eaves said. “But again, I think the thing that he brought to the table was his energy. And if he plays with that energy, his skill and such will take over for him.
“The times that he has been ineffective, he’s not played with that energy, and as a result he’s not involved. But with that energy that he had Saturday night, boy, that really gives us a nice look.”
Eaves also had strong words for sophomore forward Ben Grotting Monday. When he was asked which of his forwards has been the most consistent, Eaves said Grotting is at his best playing within his strengths.
“Ben’s strengths lie in the fact that he’s a tremendously powerful skater, can get there, can create turnovers and create hits with his speed,” Eaves said. “And I think, for the most part, he has done that for us.”
As the Badgers (2-4-0 WCHA, 5-6-1 overall) regroup for a weekend series against St. Cloud State, one area of emphasis will be the power play. After a strong start in that department in the early going, UW has gone 1-for-18 over the last four games.
“Basically, it’s taking what’s given and executing against lack of time and space,” Eaves explained of going on the man advantage.
“When we were being successful we were playing against teams that gave us a little bit more time and space, and now we’re dealing with teams that are really taking that away. The nice thing is we are getting chances. And the goals will come. It’s just kind of mirroring some of our players right now.”
