Michigan 2, Clarkson 0

To paraphrase George Costanza, "We're back, baby, we're back!"

Michigan returns to the Frozen Four after a thrilling 2-0 shutout of Clarkson.

Aaron Palushaj put the Wolverines ahead 1-0 on a wrap around during a
first period power play.

Then Kevin Porter scored 26 seconds into the third period to give U-M
a 2-0 lead.

There were plenty of penalties both ways, especially to Michigan for a
stretch from late in the first period through the second, but they
shut down the Golden Knights offense.

The third period provided a really thrilling finish. Michigan
controlled most of the period, outshooting Clarkson 17-4 at one point
during the third stanza.

But late penalties on both teams provided some wonderful back and
forth four-on-four action, then Carl Hagelin got called with just over
two minutes left to give Clarkson a 4-on-3 power play.

The Golden Knights decided to pull the goalie for a 5-on-3 advantage.
They hit the post and the puck came out to the slot and Sauer made a
save off his chest, then a major scramble in front saw Clarkson get
about six chances from point blank range and Sauer stoned them.

Billy made a huge--HUGE--diving save with his left arm stopping the
puck right in front of the goal line, then another save on the
rebound, then another with his right pad hugging the post. The puck
finally was cleared to the corner and Kevin Porter sent it down ice
and hit the side of the empty net.

Back came the Golden Knights and Sauer with another big save on a
tipped shot, and another pad save with time running down as the
Knights tried to stuff it in the corner.

Sauer finished the game with 32 saves.

The Wolverines will take on the winner of the Notre Dame vs. Michigan
State contest in the West Regional final, which is currently ongoing.
So one half of the Frozen Four will be all-CCHA, which also ensures at
least one CCHA team will play for the national title.

In other action today:
#1 Miami 3, #4 Air Force 2 (ot)
#2 Boston College 5, #3 Minnesota 2 (Miami vs. BC tomorrow)
#3 Wisconsin 6, #2 Denver 2
#1 North Dakota 5, #4 Princeton 1 (NoDak vs. Wisconsin tomorrow)
#3 Michigan State 0, #4 Notre Dame 0 (1st period - Winner to Frozen Four)

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That's all for now...

Go Blue!

Jason
Michigan Hockey Net
http://MichiganHockey.net