Michigan Hockey Dominates Postseason, Sets Sights on Big Ten Championship and NCAA Tournament

After a bye week to refresh, Michigan Hockey returned to action last week with two games of Big Ten Tournament play. On Wednesday they played in the quarterfinals against Notre Dame in the 2/7 matchup. The Notre Dame game was feisty but Michigan was the better team, using extensive power play time to pour in goals and defeat the Irish 6-1. On Saturday Michigan brought Penn State to town and played a stellar and composed game, overcoming a power play disadvantage in this one to win 5-2. Those wins, combined with some chaos nationally, have made Michigan’s March path much more favorable. Ohio State’s defeat of Michigan State means that the Big Ten Championship Game will take place at Yost Ice Arena on Saturday night for the first time ever and the losses of Western Michigan and North Dakota means that Michigan’s NCAA Tournament seeding picture is now crystal clear.

Notes from the Quarters and Semis

The game against Notre Dame was a decisive 6-1 Michigan beatdown, despite 36 penalty minutes assessed to Notre Dame thanks to two five-minute major penalties, one of which involved contact with Jack Ivankovic. Notre Dame finished the season with a 9-23-5 record and a -48 goal differential, finishing last in the conference by 11 points and 51st in NPI.

Short-Handed Success

Michigan scored a short-handed goal against Penn State, leading to a 3-1 lead after two periods despite being down five power plays. This goal came from Nick Moldenhauer and Garrett Schifsky. Michigan now has 10 short-handed goals this season, one behind St. Thomas for the national lead. This is the most short-handed goals Michigan has had in a season since 2006-07, when they had 14. Michigan’s penalty kill percentage has ticked up to just over 80%, and with 10 short-handed goals, it’s looking solid.

Senior Standouts

Tyler Duke and Luca Fantilli played over 24 minutes against Penn State, primarily matched up against Gavin McKenna. Both finished with a +2 for the game and are now Michigan’s best +/- players, with Fantilli at +28 and Duke at +27. The experience of these upperclassmen is a key difference between this year’s team and the 2021-22 team, which relied more on underclassmen.

Ivankovic’s Strong Performance

Jack Ivankovic had a strong week, giving up just three goals across the two games. He made 50 of 53 saves (.943) and appears confident and dialed in.

The Hobey Baker Race

The top 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award will be announced tomorrow. The race is wide open, with several candidates including Ethan Wyttenbach, Gavin McKenna, Michael Hage, and TJ Hughes. It’s an unusual race, with no clear frontrunner.

NCAA Tournament Picture

Michigan will be the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, with North Dakota at No. 2, Michigan State at No. 3, and Western Michigan at No. 4. Michigan will likely face the Atlantic Hockey champion in the first round. The regional is likely to be in Albany.

Preview: Ohio State

Michigan faces an Ohio State team that has proven to be a tough opponent for Michigan State, but Michigan has dominated the season series against the Buckeyes, winning 13-3 on aggregate. Michigan has better players, lethal shooters, and a much better goalie. It’s a game Michigan should win.