In a showdown at Maryland Heights, Mo (WILX), Michigan and Michigan State clashed on Sunday evening for the sixth time this season, vying for a spot in the Frozen Four. Michigan aimed for its third consecutive Frozen Four appearance, while MSU sought to secure its first since 2007.
MSU took an early lead, scoring a power play goal from freshman Gavin O’Connell at the 13:40 mark of the first period, maintaining a 1-0 lead after the opening period.
Michigan came out aggressively in the second period, and their efforts paid off when Ethan Edwards scored at 14:19, equalizing the score at one apiece. MSU’s Arytom Levshunov incurred the team’s fifth penalty just before the end of the second period.
The game remained deadlocked at 1-1 as it entered the third period, with the Wolverines beginning with a power play advantage.
Despite MSU successfully killing off the Wolverines’ power play, Michigan seized their first lead of the game at the 13:31 mark of the third period with a goal from Marshall Warren.
However, MSU’s sophomore forward, Joey Larson, leveled the score at two with a power play goal shortly after. Michigan swiftly regained the lead just over two minutes later, courtesy of a goal from Dylan Duke, making it 3-2 in favor of the Wolverines.
In a rapid succession of scoring, Gavin Brindley extended Michigan’s lead to 4-2 just 12 seconds later.
With 2:19 remaining in the game, Dylan Duke netted his second goal of the night, extending Michigan’s lead to 5-2.
The Wolverines maintained control to secure a 5-2 victory, clinching their third consecutive trip to the Frozen Four.
Michigan is set to face off against Boston College in St. Paul, Minnesota, with the winner advancing to the National Championship game in a week and a half.
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