Michigan
21-9-0,15-7-0-0CCHA
Lake Superior State
9-13-8,6-10-6-1CCHA
Michigan Sweeps Lakers to Move to Third in CCHA
2/7/2009 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Yost Ice Arena)
Score: #4 Michigan 2, Lake Superior 1
Records: U-M (21-9-0, 15-7-0-0 CCHA), LSSU (9-13-8, 6-10-6-1 CCHA)
Attendance: 6,887
Next U-M Event: Friday, Feb. 13 -- vs. Nebraska-Omaha (Yost Ice Arena), 7:35 p.m.
Boxscore | Notes & Quotes | Photo Gallery | Video Report
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 4-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team extended its winning streak to seven games against Lake Superior State in a tight 2-1 victory on Saturday night (Feb. 7) at Yost Ice Arena. A late first-period goal by forward Carl Hagelin(Sodertalje, Sweden) evened the game up at a goal apiece and a tally from junior Brian Lebler(Penticton, B.C.) snapped the tie in the second frame. Despite the 0-for-7 power play showing, goalie Bryan Hogan(Highland, Mich.) remained strong in net with 26 saves to preserve the victory and lift Michigan to third in the CCHA standings.
The majority of the first period consisted of back-and-forth action on both ends of the ice, requiring each team's goaltender to make important, yet unspectacular saves during the initial frame.
As the period wound to a close, Laker Zac MacVoy fed a cross-ice pass to defenseman Steven Kaunisto, who ripped a shot from the right point that deflected off of Hogan's right pad and went directly to a wide-open MacVoy for a tap in at 19:14.
The Wolverines responded 19 seconds later when Hagelin circled back to the top of the LSSU zone before turning to face the net and bringing the puck to his forehand. After taking a couple of strides, Hagelin fired a wrist shot from the high slot just to the left of LSSU goaltender Pat Inglis' chest and into the cage. Linemates Matt Rust(Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) and Aaron Palushaj(Northville, Mich.) earned assists on the goal. For the second straight night, Michigan scored with less than 30 seconds remaining in the first period to tie the game at one goal apiece.
After both teams finished the first stanza tied in shots (13-13) and goals (1-1), Michigan grabbed the lead for good at 13:34 of the middle frame. Robbie Czarnik(Washington, Mich.) pushed the puck forward to Palushaj, who launched the puck from the high-right slot. Similar to Lake Superior's first goal, the shot rebounded off the goaltender's pads and directly to junior Lebler, who quickly deposited the puck behind Inglis for his fourth goal of the season.
In the first six minutes of play in the final period, the Wolverines had two power-play opportunities, failing to register an on-target shot during either advantages.
With 7:19 minutes remaining, Michigan successfully killed a tripping penalty to maintain its one-goal lead. Thanks to an LSSU penalty with 2:21 left in regulation, the Maize and Blue was able to salt the game away without much Laker offensive pressure.
Next weekend (Fri-Sat., Feb. 13-14), Michigan hosts Nebraska-Omaha at Yost Ice Arena for two games. Friday's game will begin at 7:35 p.m., while Saturday's contest is slated to start at 8:05 p.m. and will be televised by FSN Detroit as a part of Hockey Day in Michigan festivities.
Contact: Matt Trevor (734) 763-4423
