Michigan hockey clinches third straight Frozen Four by crushing Michigan State
Michigan hockey ended a four-game losing streak to Michigan State and clinched a third straight trip to the Frozen Four.
A month ago, Michigan hockey wasn't even a sure thing for the NCAA tournament. But now, after crushing the soul of Michigan State in the third period of the Regional Final, scoring four goals in the last 20 minutes, two goals in 12 seconds, and the last three goals of the game to win 5-2, the Wolverines are going back to the Frozen Four.
Michigan State is going home -- one week after terrible officiating handed Michigan State the Big Ten tournament title. The Wolverines got their redemption though. They also left no doubt about who has the best program in the state of Michigan.
Michigan hockey did it by dominating the third period. They outscored North Dakota 3-1 on Friday and became the first team to beat North Dakota this season after trailing following two periods.
Michigan State opened the scoring on Sunday. Michigan tied it up in the second period. In the third, Michigan grabbed the lead before the Spartans answered. However, Dylan Duke, the hero of the regional final scored twice in the third period. Gavin Brindley also added a clutch goal to give the Wolverines a 5-2 win in St. Lous for their third straight regional championship.
What's even more impressive is that Seamus Casey was out on Sunday. Michigan hockey will take on Boston College on April 11th in St. Paul, Minnesota in the Frozen Four. The Wolverines were the favorite to win the national title last season, but they have lost two national semifinals in a row. Yet, this team is special and they are playing their best hockey at the exact right time.
Ethan Edwards and Marshall Warren scored the other goals for Michigan hockey. Edwards got U-M on the board in the second, while Warren put the Wolverines in front 2-1 in the third, before MSU tied it, which set the stage for Michigan's dominant finish. Jake Barczewski stopped 38 shots in net and the Wolverines will get a week off before taking on Boston College.
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Michigan Sate is headed home, in case you needed reminding, which makes this win taste that much sweeter.