Three-goal first period propels Michigan over OSU, to Big Ten Championship
The No. 2 seed Michigan hockey team defeated No. 3 seed Ohio State, 7-3 on Saturday night at Yost Ice Arena. A three-goal first period helped the Wolverines cruise to the Big Ten Tournament Championship Game next Saturday, where they will take on either Minnesota or Michigan State.
The postseason rivalry matchup sold out in about an hour, and hopefully the 5,800 fans were in their seats early, because freshman Gavin Brindley put Michigan on top just 23 seconds into the game.
Adam Fantilli and Luke Hughes were awarded the assists on the game's opening goal, and it couldn't have been a better start for the Wolverines.
Just a few minutes later, freshman defenseman Seamus Casey put the Wolverines up by two scores with a goal of his own. It was Casey's sixth goal of the season, and Michigan was up by two scores less than four minutes into the game.
Mackie Samoskevich added Michigan's third goal of the game just past the 10-minute mark of the first period, and it seemed like U-M might run away from its rival.
After Ohio State connected on a power-play goal, freshman Adam Fantilli scored his 26th goal of the season, putting Michigan back up by three scores.
The Buckeyes beat Erik Portillo on another power play to open the third period, but Michigan quickly responded, as Jackson Hallum scored his sixth goal of the season.
Ohio State scored once more after it pulled its goalie, Jakub Dobes, but Michigan scored two empty-net goals late to seal the deal.
Michigan will advance to the Big Ten Tournament championship game to face the winner of Minnesota and Michigan State. If the Golden Gophers win, the championship will be in Minneapolis. If the Spartans win, the championship game will be back at Yost Ice Arena.
With the win, the Wolverines have almost certainly done enough to lock up a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, which will start on Thursday, March 23.
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