Saturday, March 22, 2008
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan

It wasn't an easy game to win as the Redhawks carried the play through most of the games first two periods, but the Wolverines didn't crack limiting the number of grade A scoring chances for the Redhawks and making the most of their chances scoring the games first goal. The Wolverines dominated the final period of play, scoring the game winner mid way through that final period of play, holding on for a two to one victory.

Both teams had some chances to score in the opening period of this championship game, but neither team was able to crack the other teams goalie, with the first twenty minutes ending with the score all tied at zero. The Redhawks held an eight to four advantage in shots on goal.

With just over twelve minutes to play in the middle period Rust got the puck to the half boards on the left side, then held up waiting for some help. Palushaj came flying down the left side and Rust sent a perfect pass that hit Palushaj's stick right at the goal. As soon as the puck his his stick Palushaj tipped it forward into the net for the score. Rust and Mitera each picked up assists on the goal.

The second period would come to an end with the Wolverines holding a slim one to nothing lead. The Redhawks out shot the Wolverines thirteen to eight to hold a twenty-one to twelve advantage in shots on goal through forty minutes of play.

With exactly ten minutes left to play the Wolverines would add a second goal to their total off a great face off win by Miller. Miller won a face off to the Miami goalies right, stepping through the Miami defenders and passing a quick pass out front of the goal to Naurato. Naurato was falling to the ice as he tipped the puck past the Miami net minder for the score. Miller had the lone assist.

With about a minute and half to play in the game the Miami goalie was pulled from the game to give the Redhawks an extra attacker. At about the same time Michigan was whistled for a penalty to give the Redhawks a two man advantage. With the face off in the Michigan zone the Redhawks took a time out.

With just 38.6 seconds left to play the Miami drove a rocket of a shot from the blue line right down the slot that beat Sauer high over the glove to cut the Michigan lead to one goal with the power play goal.

The game would come to an end with the Wolverines winning by a score of two to one. The Wolverines out shot the Redhawks fourteen to seven in the final period of play, leaving the Redhawks with a twenty-eight to twenty-six advantage in shots on goal for the sixty minute game.

This was a huge win for the Wolverines capping off a season that saw the Wolverines win every big event except the season opening tournament when they lost a close one to the hosting Minnesota Gophers. The win gives the Wolverines the over all number one seed going into the NCAA tournament. This is perhaps the Wolverines best chance to get back to the Frozen Four in years. We'll know their draw and opening opponent tomorrow morning by noon with the selection show airing at eleven thirty Sunday morning.