Saturday, December 1, 2007
Yost Ice Arena, Ann Arbor, Michigan

After an uninspired performance the night before the Wolverines hit the ice flying in this game looking ready to make a statement. By time the fur was done flying Michigan had built a three to nothing first period lead, then cruised to a four to two victory over the visiting Buckeyes from Ohio State.

With fifteen and half minutes left to play in the opening period Michigan got the puck behind the Buckeye goal, moving it from the goalies right to the left. As they got to the left edge of the goal Michigan popped out in front of the net from the left, wrapping the puck around and into the goal for the score. Rust as given credit for the goal, while Palushaj and Hagelin each picked up assists.

With the clock just under twelve minutes the Wolverines once again had the puck low in the Ohio State zone. There was a quick pass out front to Hagelin who punched a nice back hand shot past the Buckeye net minder for the Wolverines second goal of the night. Palushaj and Rust each picked up assists in the game.

With the clock just under the ten minute mark Michigan was called for a delay of game penalty that resulted in a Buckeye penalty shot. Hogan was up to the challenge making a huge stop to keep the momentum firmly on Michigan's side.

With eight and half minutes to play the Buckeyes were whistled for a penalty putting Michigan on the power play. The Wolverines were working the puck around the Buckeye zone, getting it on the lower edge of the left face off circle. From there an opening presented itself and a quick shot by Pacioretty beat the Buckeye goalie for the Wolverines second goal of the game. Palushaj and Langlais each picked up assists on the power play goal.

The first period came to an end with the Wolverines holding a three to nothing lead. Michigan also held a slim edge in shots on goal with an eleven to ten advantage.

With eleven and half minutes to play in the second period the Wolverines turned the puck over just inside the Ohio State blue line. Ohio State quickly gained control and broke out of their zone uncontested, headed straight for the Michigan zone and goal. As the Buckeye player closed on the net he got off a shot that beat Hogan for the score, cutting the Michigan lead to two.

With the clock just one tick under the four minute mark Porter forces a turn over in the Michigan zone and takes off down the left side of the ice into the Buckeye zone. As he closed on the goal he drew the goalie to himself and made a last second pass over to Pacioretty who tapped it home for the score. Porter picked up the lone assist on the goal.

The second period came to an end with the Wolverines leading by a score of four to one. Michigan out shot Ohio State thirteen to two in the period to end forty minutes of play with a twenty-four to twelve advantage in shots on goal.

With the clock just under the fifteen minute mark the Buckeyes would cut the Michigan lead to two goals, chipping one past the Michigan goalie. Michigan had been unable to clear the puck which allowed Ohio State to apply some sustained pressure. They finally got numbers in front of the net, firing off a shot in the process. The shot was blocked but the rebound came out in front where they were able to knock it back into the goal for the score.

The game would come to an end with the Wolverines winning by a score of four to two. Ohio State out shot the Wolverines sixteen to ten in the final period leaving Michigan with a thirty-four to twenty-eight advantage in shots on goal at the end of regulation time.

Following the previous nights game this was just what Michigan needed to get back on the winning side of the ledger. They got back to playing team hockey, once again doing the little things that had made them so successful through the first two months of the season. It was also a night when freshman Bryan Hogan got his first taste of game action after missing a large portion of the first half when he was out with mono. With just two games left before the Winter break the Wolverines need a strong finish to end that first half on a positive note.