Wolverines Sweep Into Semi-Finals

Saturday, March 11, 2006
Yost Ice Arena, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Playing their best third period in at least weeks, if not months, the Wolverines used solid defense to hold the Bulldogs at bay after scoring the game winning goal just over four minutes into the final period. The Wolverines skated to their first weekend sweep since early December, propelling them into the CCHA semi-finals against an opponent yet to be determined.

The first period was fast paced with few penalties and neither team really applying that much pressure or getting any decent scoring chances. After twenty minutes of play the game was still tied at zero. The Bulldogs held a slim nine to eight edge in shots on goal.

Ferris was whistled for a penalty at the twenty minute mark of the first period, giving Michigan a full two minutes of power play time to start the second period. They used very little of that time, scoring the games first goal just thirty seconds into the second period. Michigan was working the puck back and forth at the points when they sent a pass deep into the Bulldog zone, then flipped the puck behind and around the net. A quick pass out front led to a shot that didn't have much on it, leading to an easy block. However, the rebound was left on the ice and Michigan was right there to chip it in for the score. Kaleniecki received credit for the power play goal, while Kolarik and Ebbett each picked up an assist.

With the clock just under twelve minutes Michigan was going to be called for a penalty and the Bulldogs pulled their goal tender to get an extra attacker. The extra man didn't have much to do with it, but the Bulldogs moved the puck in the Michigan zone well, pulling Ruden way out of position, leading to an easy back door shot at an open net for the score and a tie game.

Ten seconds later Michigan was whistled for another penalty, the Bulldogs were unable to score before the penalty was called, but went on the power play. Once again the Bulldogs worked the puck around the Michigan zone with crisp passing, getting the Wolverines jumping all over the place, creating creases in the defense. With the clock just under eleven minutes and barely half the power play over the Bulldogs scored their second goal in less than a minute to take the lead.

With seven and half minutes left in the period the Bulldogs were whistled for a penalty of their own, putting Michigan on the power play. Less than a minute later the Wolverines used some great passing of their own, working the puck deep into the zone, pulling the Ferris defense one way, then quickly finding the open man for the score. Hensick scored the power play goal on a great shot, while Kolarik and Johnson each picked up an assist.

The Bulldogs were whistled for another penalty with just twenty-five seconds left in the period, but were unable to score before time ran out. The second period came to an end with the score all tied at two goals each. The Wolverines out shot the Bulldogs eleven to six in the period to end forty minutes of play with a nineteen to fifteen advantage in shots on goal.

Michigan started the third period with 1:35 of power play time, but were unable to score with the extra man.

Just as the clock moved under the sixteen minute mark Michigan would score what would prove to be the game winning goal, again using some great passing to find Johnson wide open for the goal. Hensick got control of the puck at center ice, quickly skating into the Ferris zone. As he got near the top of the face off circle he slid a pass into the slot to Johnson who fired off a blast as he neared the bottom of the circle. Johnson got the goal and Hensick picked up the lone assist.

The final sixteen minutes would be hectic, but the Wolverines, finally playing a third period with some desperation, managed to control most of the action. Ferris got their goalie out of the net with just thirty seconds left, and while they came close to scoring the tying goal, they were unable to. The game came to an end with Michigan winning by a score of three to two. Michigan out shot Ferris thirteen to seven in the period to end the game with a thirty-two to twenty-two advantage in shots on goal.

Michigan finally put together two nights of hockey, that weren't perhaps the best they have ever played, but they were good enough to produce two wins - two badly needed wins. Hopefully the players will remember what led to this out come when the return to play next Friday at Joe Louis Arena. Solid defense by both the defensemen and the forwards led to scoring chances which Michigan was able to take advantage of. If they remember this next weekend they may find a way to defend their CCHA playoff championship, but they still have some difficult games ahead. Miami, Michigan, and Northern Michigan have all advanced to Joe Louis. The only series still in question is between UAF and Michigan State. That series is now split with each team having a win. The final team for this years CCHA semi-finals will be determine tomorrow evening when the Nanooks and Spartans play their third game of the weekend.