Michigan
30-7-1
Bentley
23-12-5
Michigan Reaches Regional Final Behind Hughes’ Three-Point Game
3/27/2026 9:17:00 PM | Ice Hockey
» T.J. Hughes notched a goal and two assists; the captain has goals in six of his last seven games.
» Goalie Jack Ivankovic nearly registered a shutout before a late goal spoiled his 24-save effort.
» Michigan moves to 60-33 all-time in NCAA Tournament action vs. 38 unique opponents.
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Kicking off its record 42nd NCAA Tournament appearance as the nation's No. 1 overall seed, the top-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team defeated No. 20 Bentley 5-1 on Friday evening (March 27) at MVP Arena to advance to the regional final.
The Big Ten Player of the Year, T.J. Hughes, recorded three points with a goal and two assists to bring his season total to 56. Garrett Schifsky and Jayden Perron each added two-point nights as Michigan's offense found its rhythm.
Jack Ivankovic played 59:33 of shutout hockey before a late goal spoiled his bid. The freshman turned aside 24 of 25 shots in his first NCAA Tournament appearance, anchoring a steady defensive effort throughout the night.
Hughes opened the scoring at 9:49, beating Bentley's netminder on the glove side with a slick shot from the hash marks following a pass from Perron at the top of the left circle as he skated through the middle of the ice.
On the ensuing shift, Michigan was whistled for hooking to give Bentley its first power play at 10:07. The Wolverines killed off the chance, keeping their 1-0 lead intact and settling into the flow of the game.
With time winding down in the opening period, Ben Robertson collected a loose puck in the defensive zone and raced up ice against the clock. As he approached the blue line, he fired a shot from distance that found the back of the net with one second remaining. After review, the goal stood, sending Michigan into the first intermission with a 2-0 lead.
Michigan carried that momentum through the opening 20 minutes, holding an 11-8 edge in shots on goal and a 10-6 advantage in faceoff wins while killing off Bentley's lone power-play opportunity.
The Wolverines' power-play unit had a chance early in the second period after Bentley was called for holding at 2:41, but the opportunity went scoreless despite sustained pressure in the offensive zone.
Michigan broke through on its next opportunity at 8:36 when Perron found Nick Moldenhauer at the left dot. Moldenhauer blasted a one-timer off the post and into the net to extend the lead to 3-0, with Hughes picking up the secondary assist.
Kason Muscutt added to the lead at 10:49, finishing a play set up by Hughes from below the goal line. Schifsky earned the secondary assist as Michigan pushed its advantage to 4-0 midway through the period.
Bentley earned another power play at 12:17, but Michigan's penalty kill unit remained strong, with Ivankovic turning aside the best chances to preserve the four-goal lead.
After 40 minutes, Michigan held a 4-0 lead despite Bentley edging ahead in shots on goal (21-19). The teams were even in the faceoff circle at 16 wins apiece.
Michigan killed off an early penalty to begin the third period before the teams skated 4-on-4 shortly after.
Schifsky added another goal at 7:50, firing a shot from the right circle that struck the back bar and bounced out as the official signaled a goal to make it 5-0. Tyler Duke and Hunter Hady were credited with the assists.
Michigan's penalty kill finished a perfect 4-for-4 on the night, continuing a strong defensive showing throughout the game.
Bentley broke through at 19:33 to spoil Ivankovic's shutout and account for the final 5-1 score. Michigan finished with a 29-25 edge in shots on goal, while Bentley held a 30-27 advantage in faceoffs.
With the win, Michigan reached 30 victories for the first time since the 2021-22 season. It also marked the Wolverines' fourth winning streak of five or more games this season.
Michigan improved to 60-33 all-time in NCAA Tournament play and will face the winner of second-seeded Penn State and third-seeded Minnesota Duluth in Sunday's regional final. Puck drop and broadcast information will be announced following the conclusion of the semifinal matchup.
