Michigan
8-5-0 (5-4-0-0)
Miami (Ohio)
7-3-3 (7-2-2-1)
Sauer Strong in Wolverines Shutout Loss at No. 7 Miami
11/21/2008 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
Score: #7 Miami 2, #9 Michigan 0
Records: U-M (8-5-0, 5-4-0-0 CCHA), Miami (7-3-3, 7-2-2-1 CCHA)
Attendance: 3,642
Next U-M Event: Saturday, Nov. 22 -- at Miami (Oxford, Ohio), 7:05 p.m.
Boxscore | Notes & Quotes
OXFORD, Ohio -- The No. 9-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team was shut out by No. 7 Miami, 2-0, on Friday (Nov. 21) in the opener of a two-game weekend series at Steve Cady Arena. The Wolverines were a perfect five for five against Miami's power-play unit, which is second in the nation, but were stymied on all six of their own power plays by MU's top-ranked penalty kill. Billy Sauer(Walworth, N.Y.) performed admirably in net with 25 saves, but received no offensive support. Andy Miele had both of Miami's goals.
A Miami penalty to Carter Camper just 12 seconds after the opening faceoff put U-M on the immediate offensive. The Wolverines had numerous excellent opportunities to score first, including a four-shot flurry that had two Aaron Palushaj(Northville, Mich.) shots from the left post, a rebound whack from Ben Winnett(New Westminster, B.C.) and a final chance by Brian Lebler(Penticton, B.C.), which was only kept out of the goal by a sprawling glove save from Cody Reichard. On the next shift, Robbie Czarnik(Washington, Mich.) got open in front for a quality scoring chance only to be denied.
Following the power play, the Wolverines maintained control of the game and prevented Miami from getting a shot on goal until the six-minute mark; U-M had taken the first seven shots of the night.
Special teams then took over the final 12 minutes of the first period. Michigan had power plays at 10:34 and 16:28. Miami had its first power play at 7:56 and then had 1:48 of a two-man advantage when U-M was penalized at 13:24 and 13:36. Regardless, neither team managed to get the game's first goal. Sauer was superb in between the pipes, making 12 saves -- five on the penalty kill.
Miami opened the scoring at 6:53 of the second period, 30 seconds after a U-M power play had expired. Andy Miele skated back and forth behind the U-M net, avoiding defenders and eventually wrapped the puck inside the right post for the tally.
Carl Hagelin(Sodertalje, Sweden) came inches from tying the game with 3:45 to go in the second period. Fighting off a check, Czarnik lugged the puck down the right wing and flung the puck into the crease; Hagelin's redirection fluttered just outside the left post.
Shots were just four aside in the middle stanza, leaving Miami with a 16-14 shots advantage through 40 minutes.
The RedHawks took a 2-0 lead at 1:52 of the third period. Michigan struggled getting the puck out of its zone and it ended up on the stick of Gary Steffes near the point. Steffes' ensuing shot was deflected just in front of the crease by Miele and the puck rolled up and over Sauer's shoulder.
A power play with five minutes left in regulation was of little use as the Maize and Blue could not get a shot on goal against Reichard.
U-M concludes its two-game road series at Miami on Saturday (Nov. 22) night. Faceoff is set for 7:05 p.m. Steve Cady Arena. The game will be available on Comcast in Michigan and the NHL Network.
Contact: Matt Trevor (734) 763-4423
