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Michigan Hockey: 3 takeaways from demolition of Spartans to reach Big Ten semis

By Maddie Steinbock

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 17: Nolan Moyle #27 of the Michigan Wolverines skates up ice with the puck against the Michigan State Spartans during the first period of the annual NCAA hockey game, Duel in the D at Little Caesars Arena on February 17, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 4-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 17: Nolan Moyle #27 of the Michigan Wolverines skates up ice with the puck against the Michigan State Spartans during the first period of the annual NCAA hockey game, Duel in the D at Little Caesars Arena on February 17, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Spartans 4-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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The #2 seed Michigan Wolverines faced the #7 seed Michigan State Spartans in a best 2 out of 3 series in the Big Ten Hockey Tournament. Going into this series, Michigan hockey was looking to go 6-0 this season against their in-state rival.

While Michigan is clearly the much better team and was heavily favored to win, in hockey anything can happen. However, coming off of a sweep from Notre Dame, Michigan hockey came into these games angry and hungry. And they used those emotions to their advantage.

In game one, the Wolverines gave up the first goal after a too many men on the ice penalty. However after that goal, Michigan scored four unanswered goals and Erik Portillo did not let any more pucks past him and ended up having 23 saves on the night.

Game two however was a completely different story. With an early goal from Sophomore, Thomas Bordeleau, the momentum stayed in Michigan’s favor for the rest of the game.

Michigan played dominant, physical, and disciplined hockey throughout all 60 minutes. An offensive explosion led to four goals in the first period, as well as four more goals in the second.

Erik Portillo earned his first playoff shutout. And with 5 minutes left in the game, senior goaltender Jack Leavy took the net and earned a shutout of his own. Michigan threatened goals for the rest of the third period, however, the final score remained 8-0.

3 takeaways from Michigan’s sweep on Michigan State…

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