Michigan
16-10-3,11-7-3CCHA
Ohio State
14-12-4,10-10-2CCHA
Michigan Avoids Sweep with Two Goals in Third Period
2/4/2006 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The No. 6-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team came from behind in the third period for just the second time this season, beating Ohio State 3-2 on Saturday (Feb. 4). Travis Turnbull (Chesterfield, Mo.) scored the game-winner and Noah Ruden (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) made a career-high 39 saves in the victory.
Ohio State was able to put pressure on the Wolverines early, taking six shots before Michigan could register its first shot on goal.
The offensive pressure continued, with Ohio State opening the night's scoring at 6:22. Following a turnover in the neutral zone, John Dingle fed the puck to Tom Fritsche, who skated in on Ruden with only Jack Johnson (Ann Arbor, Mich.) to beat. Fritsche deked past Johnson and lofted the puck over Ruden's glove to give the Buckeyes the early 1-0 lead.
Ohio State refused to relinquish the momentum, but the strong play of Ruden frustrated two breakaway attempts.
Late in the first period, the Wolverines were given a man advantage when Bryce Anderson was called for hooking. During the power play, a shot by Chad Kolarik (Abington, Pa.) pulled Dave Caruso out of the crease, but U-M was unable to collect the puck to capitalize on the open net.
The period ended with the Maize and Blue being outshot by OSU 13-7.
Ohio State came out determined to add to its lead, but Ruden's quick reflexes prevented that from occurring. On a three-on-three in Michigan's zone, Ruden made two big saves to keep the game at 1-0. Dingle's initial shot was stopped by Ruden, and Matt Waddell's rebound wrister was gloved by the Michigan netminder.
Michigan broke onto the scoreboard at 8:16 of the middle frame. Kolarik grabbed the puck at mid-ice and skated in on the right side. Kolarik's shot was knocked down by Caruso, but Tim Miller (Davisburg, Mich.) picked up the rebound in the slot and beat Caruso to knot the game at a goal apiece.
The tie was short-lived, however, as OSU regained the lead just 31 seconds later. A U-M turnover deep in its own zone led to a goal by Sean Collins off a pass from Kenny Bernard. The Buckeye defenseman sent a one-timer over a sprawling Ruden from the left faceoff circle to give Ohio State its second lead of the contest.
The Wolverines lit the lamp just 12 seconds into the final period. Andrew Ebbett (Vernon, B.C.) scooped up the puck in the left corner and skated to the other side of the net before sending a quick pass to Brandon Kaleniecki (Livonia, Mich.) camped just outside of the crease. Kalenieki slammed the pass into the back of the net to tie the game 2-2 and push his goal streak to five games.
Michigan quickly took the lead, capitalizing on a mistake by Caruso. Matt Hunwick (Sterling Heights, Mich.) made an outlet pass from his own zone to the stick of Turnbull at Ohio State's blue line. Turnbull's wrist shot slid cleanly through Caruso's five-hole to give U-M the 3-2 lead at 2:20.
Ohio State had an opportunity to even the game with a man advantage midway through the frame, but Dave Barton's shot was deflected in front of the net and hit the post. U-M was given two power play chances, but could not add to the lead.
The Buckeyes' best chance to knot the game came with two minutes left in the game. Sam Campbell brought the puck into U-M territory then deftly sent a pass behind his back to Fritsche. Fritsche flicked a quick shot in on Ruden, who sticked the puck away to keep the lead.
OSU kept the puck in Michigan's zone, registering four shots in the last three minutes of play, but Ruden continued to stonewall the Buckeye offense.
Ohio State pulled its goalie at 19:03 in a final attempt to even the score, but not even Knapp's wrister from the left faceoff circle phased Ruden. The Michigan goaltender laid out his body and stifled the shot with his right skate. Michigan clinched the game by clearing the puck in the final seconds.
The Wolverines have two days of rest before they conclude their season series with Western Michigan in Kalamazoo on Tuesday, Feb. 7. The came will be broadcast by Comcast Local and commence at 7:35 p.m.
Contact: Matt Trevor (734) 763-4423
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