A few notes that won't make it into Saturday's paper:

** Shootout: Davis Drewiske won the shootout after today's UW practice, beating Kyle Turris, Cody Goloubef, Ryan McDonagh and Ben Street in the final. It was the captain's second victory of the season.

"I really don't remember what happened," he said. "I think I might have blacked out a little bit there, so if you guys could fill me in later, that'd be great."

The list of winners this season is at the bottom of this post.

** Common goals: It was pointed out that both the UW men's hockey and men's basketball teams are in the final 16 at the same time.

"It just gives excitement to the whole athletic department and the whole school," UW goaltender Shane Connelly said. "We're pushing for them and are hoping for them to do well, and hopefully they're feeling the same way."

Badgers coach Mike Eaves pointed out that the hockey and basketball teams were eating together at training table this week.

"They're talking about their experiences," he said. "There's this positive energy, and they are truly excited for each other, and it's fun to be a part of."

** Hairy situation: Facial hair is a postseason hockey tradition, but North Dakota has departed from the traditional full-beard approach this season.

There are mustaches on the upper lips of the Sioux players "” at least those who can grow them.

Asked about his facial-hair effort, assistant captain Taylor Chorney said his was "average at best compared to some of the other guys on the team. But I'm trying."

UND coach Dave Hakstol interjected: "Is it real?"

Chorney's father, Marc, sported a mustache when he helped North Dakota win the 1980 national title. Then again, that was 1980. UND players are a little more conspicuous on their campus nowadays.

For the record, Taylor Chorney thinks roommate Matt Watkins has the best mustache on the team.

"He's a farm boy from Saskatchewan," Chorney said. "I think he's had a beard since he was in about third grade."

** Challenging Mannino: Wisconsin's emphasis will be on getting pucks to the Denver net. Getting them past Pioneers goaltender Peter Mannino, meanwhile, is another concern.

"We have to make sure that we make his job difficult by getting pucks to the net and have some screens there," Eaves said.

Mannino is 3-0 in NCAA tournament games and was the most outstanding player of the 2005 Frozen Four.

"I enjoy big games, I really do," Mannino said. "As a goalie, that's where you want to be. You want to be in a big game, big environment, and you want to show up and get a win for the team. I was fortunate to do that for him (Denver coach George Gwozdecky) freshman year, and I think he has a lot of confidence in me."

** Keep it simple: The Badgers have played just four games in the last 34 days, so getting back into game mode has been a focus this week.
"Especially early in the first period, we're going to need to keep it really simple," Eaves said. "We need to get pucks in and out, get our legs back up to competing at a high level."

And, as promised, here's your list of shootout winners this season:

Oct. 11: Kyle Turris (2 goals, 2 assists vs. Notre Dame, Ohio State)
Oct. 18: Michael Davies (2 goals, 1 assist vs. Robert Morris)
Nov. 1: Zach Bearson (no points in one game played vs. Michigan Tech)
Nov. 8: Goaltenders Shane Connelly, Scott Gudmandson and Ryan Jeffery (Connelly went 1-1 with a shutout vs. North Dakota)
Nov. 15: Sean Dolan (no points in two games vs. Colorado College)
Nov. 22: Sean Dolan (no points vs. Michigan and Michigan State)
Nov. 29: Jamie McBain (2 assists vs. St. Cloud State)
Dec. 6: Aaron Bendickson (no points in two games vs. Minnesota State)
Dec. 27: John Mitchell (no points vs. Colgate, Bowling Green)
Jan. 3: Tom Gorowsky (no points vs. Colorado College)
Jan. 10: Aaron Bendickson (1 goal vs. Denver)
Jan. 17: Podge Turnbull (no points vs. Alaska Anchorage)
Jan. 24: Sean Dolan (no points vs. Minnesota)
Jan. 31: Michael Davies (no points vs. Minnesota-Duluth)
Feb. 7: Davis Drewiske (1 assist vs. Michigan Tech)
Feb. 14: Sean Dolan (no points vs. Minnesota State)
Feb. 21: Kyle Klubertanz (no points vs. Minnesota)
Feb. 28: Shane Connelly (1-1 vs. St. Cloud State)
March 13: Andy Bohmbach (no points vs. St. Cloud State)
March 28: Davis Drewiske