Michigan hockey: Wolverines face their most crucial test of the season

Michigan hockey currently sits at 25-7-1 on the season and maintains a two-point lead over the Golden Gophers in the Big Ten conference standings. As the Wolverines head into their last season series, Michigan must defeat Notre Dame to secure a conference title.

After defeating Ohio State in both games on senior weekend, Michigan faces an even more significant challenge: Notre Dame. So far on the season, the Wolverines are 0-2 against the Fighting Irish and now must face Notre Dame in South Bend, IN.

Michigan remains in first place in the Big Ten, Minnesota is right on the Wolverines’ tail.

Though Michigan technically took the series against the Gophers earlier this season, the Wolverines are only 2-2 against them. An overtime loss, which still gave Michigan points, was the deciding factor in the rivalry this season.

Minnesota will now face Wisconsin, one of the Big Ten’s bottom feeders this season, while Michigan must face a nationally-ranked Notre Dame.

Keys to victory

Michigan hockey needs to play their hearts out this weekend against Notre Dame. Even though the Wolverines are predicted to be one of the top seeds in the NCAA tournament this season, Michigan’s players, coaches, and fans alike are desperate for another banner to go up in Yost Ice Arena. With that said, here are Michigan’s three most significant keys to victory against the Irish.

Erik Portillo

Erik Portillo, Michigan’s sophomore goaltender, has been one of the most crucial pieces in the Wolverines’ outstanding season thus far. There are times, such as last Saturday against Ohio State, that Portillo is the only thing between the Wolverines and defeat. As one of the Big Ten’s premier goaltenders, Portillo will need to play lights out in both games against Notre Dame to give Michigan a chance.

The Wolverines’ four Olympians

Since early February, Michigan has been playing without its four top skaters due to the Olympics. Because both Canada and Team USA lost, the Wolverines will likely be getting their four Olympians back for their series against Notre Dame. These four skaters, Owen Power, Kent Johnson, Brendan Brisson, and Matty Beniers, will give Michigan the edge it needs to overcome Notre Dame.

Good ole’ fashioned luck

In the sport of hockey, there are no guarantees. That especially applies to college hockey and even more to late-season conference play. Could Wisconsin sweep Minnesota? Yes, the Badgers technically have a chance to eliminate Minnesota from the Big Ten title race this season. Is that likely? No, it is much more likely that Michigan will need to overcome Notre Dame at least once to win the Big Ten.

That being said, Michigan will need luck on its side as well. Some nights shots don’t land, puck’s don’t bounce the right way, and passes don’t connect. This is a natural occurrence in hockey, but one that Michigan cannot afford this weekend. Not only will the Wolverines need to bring their A-game, but they will need some amount of luck on their side this weekend.

What to expect

If Michigan can take one or both games this weekend, the Wolverines will put themselves in a great position to win the Big Ten title. If not, Minnesota will likely take the regular-season title, leaving the conference tournament as an option for the Wolverines.

Regardless of the fate of the Big Ten championship, Michigan is still in a great position to make a run in the NCAA tournament. Though the program is not what it once was as far as national titles, the young Wolverines will have a chance to change that this season even if they do not win the Big Ten.

Still, Michigan fans, players, and coaches have their eyes locked on the prize, and that prize is hanging another conference title banner from the rafters in Yost.

Where to watch

Though most Michigan hockey games are available on the Big Ten Network or BTN+, this weekend’s series will be different. Game one will be played on Feb. 25 (Fri) at 7:30 pm and will be available on Peacock. Game two will be played on Feb. 26 (Sat) at 6:00 pm and will be available on Peacock as well.