Michigan Hockey is Frozen Four Bound

Get excited, Michigan fans; the Michigan Hockey team is again off to the Frozen Four. After a nail-biting win in overtime against Penn State, the Wolverines are headed to Tampa.

The comeback win was not a perfect game by any means, but a win is a win. Winning games like that means chances at championships, which is the ultimate goal of this Michigan team.

Midwest Regional Final Recap

In the low-scoring regional final game, defense and goaltending were keys to the game. Michigan goaltender, Erik Portillo, had 31 saves. Meanwhile, Liam Souliere with Penn State had 41 saves. Both goaltenders played incredible games, but ultimately it ended in Michigan’s favor.

Neither team had yet to score for nearly the entire first and second periods. That was until Penn State went on a powerplay at the end of the second period and scored with about a minute left.

Going into the third, Michigan had to come from behind and tie it up, or their season would be over. With about ten minutes to go in the game, the Michigan hockey team was a man-up, and they took advantage of the powerplay opportunity. Freshman star forward Adam Fantilli tied the game with one goal a piece.

The game ended up going into overtime; however, it ended differently than last year’s Frozen Four overtime game. The Wolverines came out hot and scored 52 seconds in, with a goal from sophomore Mackie Samoskevich.

The Michigan faithful in the crowd erupted into cheers within the Penn State-dominated arena. Furthermore, the team stormed the ice to celebrate with their teammates. Their equipment was thrown in the air as they engulfed Samoskevich to celebrate his electric game-winning goal. As they skated circles around the ice with their ticket to the Frozen Four, this team was ready to win it all. 

Frozen Four Bound

Michigan hockey made it to this position last year but came up short. After losing in overtime against Denver last year, the Wolverines look to ensure that does not happen again.

Michigan hockey will be playing a rematch against the Quinnipiac Bobcats. Last season, Michigan played the Bobcats in the regional final and beat them 7-4. Quinnipiac will be ready for revenge from last season; Michigan has to be prepared for them to give the game its all.

Quinnipiac is 32-4-3 overall and beat the Ohio State Buckeyes in their regional final. They spent much of the season as the No. 1 team in the nation. While their competition throughout the season is mediocre at best, they are a talented team and will be looking to make a national championship appearance. 

This game will likely be a defensive battle, and Michigan must take all goal-scoring opportunities they can get. Michigan will do everything it can to make it to the national title game, a goal they came just shy of last season. If they beat Quinnipiac, they will play the winner of the Minnesota vs. Boston University game. Both of whom they have beaten this season.

With just two more wins, the Michigan hockey team will be national champions.

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