Wolverines End Badgers Season

Friday, March 25, 2005
Van And Arena, Grand Rapids, Michigan

As is always the case in a winner take all tournament somebody had to lose and Wolverine fans are glad that tonight it's the Wisconsin Badgers whose season has come to an abrupt end. The Wolverines season lives on for at least one more game following their convincing four to one victory over the number three seeded Badgers in todays opening round of NCAA tournament action.

The Wolverines were whistled for a penalty just over one minute into the game, but they killed it off without giving up a score. The Badgers weren't quite so lucky when they were whistled for their first penalty of the game with just over thirteen minutes yet to play in the opening period. Michigan set the power play up quickly in the Badger zone, made a quick pass down low, then back out to the top right point, then a quick pass over to Tambellini who was just inside the blue line, looking right down the slot. With the puck on his stick Tambellini wound up and sent a sizzling shot that beat the Wisconsin net minder top shelf for a power play goal and the early lead. Kolarik and Werner both picked up assists on the goal.

Wisconsin was once again in the penalty box, having been called for their third penalty of the period with just over nine minutes left to play. With just two seconds left in the power play it appeared that Kolarik had chipped in a rebound for Michigan's second power play goal of the period. However, a review of the shot ruled that the goalies stick had prevented the puck from crossing the goal line and the goal was waved off, leaving the Wolverines holding a one to nothing lead.

With just over six minutes left in the opening period the Wolverines would get that second goal and this time it would go on the board. Michigan had the puck in the Badger zone when Hensick attempted to pass the puck through the slot. The pass was blocked, but it bounced out toward the blue line and ended up right on Rogers stick. Rogers wasted little time slapping a one timer from the top of the left circle, beating the Wisconsin net minder, and spotting Michigan to a two goal lead. Assists on the goal went to Hensick and Tambellini.

The first period would come to an end with Michigan holding a two to nothing lead. The Wolverines also held a commanding lead in shots on goal finishing the first period with eighteen shots to the Badgers four.

With exactly two minutes left in the second period of play the Wolverines used a great transition play to score their third goal of the game. Dest had raced into the Michigan zone in pursuit of the puck, which a Badger player was carrying deep into the zone. Dest caught up to the player, rode him into the boards, allowing Tambellini to scoop up the puck and head the other way. Tambellini carried the puck into the Badger zone, finally passing it over to Hensick as the defense started to collapse on him. Hensick fired a pass toward Kaleniecki, but the puck hit a Badger defender and deflected into the Wisconsin net for Michigan's third goal of the night. Hensick got credit for the goal, while Tambellini picked up the lone assist.

The second period came to an end with Michigan now leading by a score of three to nothing. Compared to the first period there were very few shots taken in this period. The shots for the period ended up being five and five, leaving the Wolverines with a twenty-three to nine shot advantage after forty minutes of play.

Wisconsin had been called for a penalty inside the two minute mark of the second leaving Michigan with fourteen seconds of power play time to start the third period. They were unable to come up with a score with the extra man and play continued at even strength.

With the clock just under the thirteen minute mark Tambellini would strike for the second time to open up a four goal lead for the Wolverines. Gathering up the puck as he moved through center ice, Tambellini flew down the left side boards. As he reached the left circle he fired a rocket that beat the Wisconsin net minder before he even knew the puck was there. Tambellini got the goal, while Hensick and Hunwick each picked up an assist.

With just over five minutes left to play the Badgers ended Montoya's shut out bid when they were able to put a wrap around shot in the net before Montoya could get across the crease to stop it. With the goal the Badgers cut Michigans lead to three, which gave them new life down the stretch of the game.

Even with some new found energy the Badgers could not get the puck past Montoya again. The game came to an end with Michigan winning by a four to one score. The Wolverines ended the game with a thirty-one to eighteen shot advantage.

The Wolverines used an explosive opening period to jump out to an early lead and then never looked back as they continued to put pressure on the Wisconsin Badgers. Tonights game was far different from the Collge Hockey Showcase game which saw the Wolverines go down in defeat to this same Badger team. Michigan scored early, then settled into a groove as they steadily built up their lead, eventually winning this first round game. M Michigan survives to play another game, which will be tomorrow night (Saturday) at Van Andel Arena starting at 5:00 PM against Colorado College (this regions number one seed).