Saturday, March 14, 2009
Yost Ice Arena, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Playing or more consistent game from beginning to end the Wolverines swept the visiting Bronco's, winning tonight by a score of six to one, advancing to the CCHA tournament semi-final round next weekend at Joe Louis Arena.

Just like last night the Wolverines were flying in the opening minutes of the game, once again scoring the games first goal early, this time with just over eighteen minutes to play. The shot that started the play came from the left side boards, getting redirected right in front of the net for the score. The goal went to Palushaj, with assists going to Rust and Hagelin.

About thirty seconds later, with the clock now under eighteen minutes, the Bronco's were whistled for a penalty putting Michigan on the power play. With just over seventeen minutes to play the Wolverines would strike for goal number two. Michigan was cycling the puck well in the Bronco zone, getting off a shot that was blocked. Once again the rebound was not covered, giving Michigan the chance to put the rebound back into the net, which they did. Lebler got credit for the power play goal, while assists went to Naurato and Burlon.

It looked like the period would end with Michigan leading two to nothing, however, the Wolverines relentless pressure as the period came to a close would lead to goal number three. With the puck in tight Michigan got several tries at scoring a goal, finally chipping it past the goalie for the score. This goal went to Wohlberg with Caporusso and Miller each getting assists.

The first period came to an end with the Wolverines holding a three to nothing lead. Michigan also held a twenty-one to nothing advantage in shots on goal.

With just over six minutes to play in the second period Michigan got caught flat footed allowing the Bronco's to end any chance for a shut out. Western Michigan was able to move the puck quickly up the ice, getting into Michigan's zone with ease. From there they just walked in on the goal, chipping it past Hogan for the score.

With just twenty-four seconds to play in the second period the Wolverines would get a little luck leading to their fourth goal of the game. Michigan pushed the puck up the ice, getting into the Bronco zone, then a little stick work got the Wolverines past the blue line. Michigan carried the puck behind the goal, passing it out front of net where a number of players were grouped together. The puck went off a Bronco skate deflecting into the net for the score. Palushaj got credit for the goal, with assists going to Caporusso and Hagelin.

The second period came to an end with Michigan leading by a score of four to one. Michigan out shot the Bronco's eighteen to ten in the period to hold a thirty-nine to ten advantage in shots on goal through forty minutes.

With just over fourteen minutes to play Michigan would score their fifth goal of the game using some tape to tape passing, along with a rush to the net. Two passes got the puck from deep in the Michigan zone to Rust at the Bronco blue line. Rust broke clean into the zone, closed on the goal, burying the puck for the goal. Assists went to Palushaj and Mitera.

With just over twelve minutes to play the Wolverines would strike for their sixth and final goal of the game. Turnbull would carry the puck into the Bronco zone done the right side boards. He then cut through the slot, getting off a shot as he passed in front of the net. The shot was blocked, however, the rebound was not covered, instead it was kicked to the left where Miller was waiting. Miller buried the puck for the score. Turnbull picked up the lone assist.

The game came to an end with the Wolverines winning by a six to one score. The Wolverines out shot the Bronco's sixteen to thirteen in the period to end the game with a fifty-five to twenty-three advantage in shots on goal.

With the weekend sweep of the Bronco's Michigan eliminated the need for a third game in this best of three series. The series win also sent Michigan to Joe Louis Arena next weekend where they will play in the semi-final round of the CCHA tournament against an opponent yet to be determined. Both Michigan and Notre Dame have advanced to the semi-finals, with the other two series going to a third game, meaning Michigan won't know it's opponent until late Sunday night. All things considered the Wolverines are playing well and looking poised for a serious playoff run.