Michigan hockey’s 5-2 loss to MSU was bewildering, given the wonderful win the previous night. But MSU pushed hard and was better because of their effort. Freshman Jack Ivankovic was a surprise in goal, but he gave up four goals, with the fifth being an empty-netter.
First it was good then it went all wrong. Ivankovic was in goal instead of freshman Stephan Peck. A miracle! Both teams traded chances as the game was end to end. Exciting! Then halfway into the first period, a crack in the dam became a breach and it was over. Two MSU goals were followed by two more, and the two Michigan goals in the third period were of little comfort. Disappointment with a hint of betrayal.
Michigan went flat
The tone shift happened after the first goal. MSU stepped it up, perhaps sensing that Ivankovic was beatable. The opening goal was a wrister from just inside the left circle with the puck going in off of Ivankovic’s blocker. He had been square at the top of his crease and unscreened; nine times out of 10, it wouldn’t have been in the back of the net.
Michigan didn’t respond after that, and the ensuing MSU power play goal flattened them even more, which was displeasing, given the previous night’s win and the fact that their rock of a goaltender was back. After this, there was no energy or urgency. The opportunity to put a stamp on the season by taking a decisive lead in the standings and beating their rival three out of four games, had disappeared.
Ivankovic: why tonight?
In hockey, the hockey gods fervently hold on to the truism that you “ride a hot goalie,” which means continuing with the same goaltender who has secured consecutive wins. A goalie with momentum and confidence is unbeatable. Peck was good, if not excellent. Ivankovic hadn’t played in a month. It was a pressure cooker of a game, in an NHL arena, and the rival who was on the losing end was going hell for leather. None of these were reason enough for Michigan coach Brandon Naurato. Don’t trifle with the hockey gods. They're gods for a reason.
Destiny is no longer in our gloves
The Big Ten standings now have MSU in the lead by a point. They host ND, OSU, and head to Minneapolis to end the season, which is easier than Michigan’s schedule of a talented PSU at home, a trip to Wisconsin, and a resurgent Minnesota at home. If MSU wins out, the regular-season banner hangs from the Munn rafters. Michigan hockey lost points by going into overtime against inferior ND and OSU. With the MSU loss, they no longer controlled their own destiny. Maybe the hockey gods will shine on Michigan again and let a couple of bounces go our way.