Hockey: Michigan Beats Minnesota 5-4 in Overtime

Michigan Beats Minnesota 5-4 in Overtime

It was a night where Michigan had to battle back from adversity and they certainly did that against Minnesota as Michigan came back down three to beat Minnesota 5-4 in overtime.

Minnesota started off leading 3-0 at the end of the second period and as the second period ended, Michigan made it a hockey game by closing the gap 3-2. In the third period, it was a back and forth battle as Minnesota and Michigan traded possession. With Minnesota up 4-3, Michigan’s Jake Slaker scored the game-tying goal to make it 4-4 and in overtime, it was Alex Roos who scored the game-winner in overtime. Giving Michigan a 5 to 4 Victory.

Minnesota came out swinging early but in the middle of the third period, it looked like the momentum went to Michigan late in the game. “We put ourselves in a good spot and we turned the puck over three times in the neutral zone and 3 times behind our net.  Penalties late in the game didn’t help,” said Minnesota Head Coach Don Lucia. “Those are giveaways and we just can’t give away the puck like that,” Lucia said. “We had a great scoring chance in the beginning of the second period and we were able to contain them. Late in the second period, we let them come back and that just can’t happen,” Lucia continued.  Tyler Sheehy had a good night for the Gophers with 1 goal and 1 assist on the night.  Tommy Novak had a goal and 2 assists and was the second star of the game. Eric Schierhorn was in net for Minnesota. He had 28 saves on the night and 5 goals against.

Michigan was down 3-0 and something sparked in the second period when they scored 2 goals and made it into a hockey game. For head coach Mel Pearson, it was battling back from adversity that got them the overtime win. “It was a good game,” said Pearson. “We were able to get a bounce and break tonight in overtime, but I keep telling the guys these games have to be earned. They earned that tonight. So overall, it was a great win for us,” Pearson said. Minnesota was tough on Michigan early and Pearson noticed that right away. “They are a good hockey team,” Pearson said. “There was a stretch in the second period that they showed what they can do. They can finish and pile the goals up in a hurry,” Pearson continued.  Being down 3-0, Pearson talked about adversity and was impressed by how his team battled back from it. “You are going to deal with it in life and in hockey. I thought the guys did well in dealing with it and battling back. Another thing we talked about is playing the full 60 minutes whether you’re down by 3 or up by 5, you have to keep playing. I think we have done that tonight,” Pearson said. Michigan’s first line of Dexter Dancs, Tony Calderone and Cooper Marody continues to be on a hot streak. In the game, the three combined for 2 goals and 4 assists against Minnesota and they are looking like a line that could do some great things this season. “That line has everything,” Pearson said. “Tony can shoot the puck as a goal scorer, Dexter is big and strong and great in the corner, and Cooper slows things down for us. They are fun to watch this year and improving every game,” Pearson remarked. Jack Lafontaine had a solid night as well. He had 28 saves and 4 goals against.

Michigan is looking for the sweep tonight against Minnesota. Puck drop is at 7:30 on the Big Ten Network.