Michigan advances with win over Bemidji State
Michigan keeps finishing strong.
The Wolverines, who needed six straight wins to qualify for their 20th consecutive NCAA tournament, scored three third-period goals after Bemidji State cut the lead to one, beating the Beavers 5-1 in the NCAA Midwest Regional semifinals Saturday night.
Carl Hagelin scored two of the third-period goals. The first came 2 minutes after Ian Lowe scored for Bemidji State midway through the third period to cut the lead to 2-1. The second was a short-handed goal with 3:57 left that made it 3-1. Brian Lebler then added an empty net goal with 1:58 left.
But Michigan (26-17-1) was in control most of the game, limiting the scoring chances for the Beavers (23-10-4).
``Their speed is tremendous. I think we just had a hard time with their speed. They were one step ahead of us the first half of the game,'' Bemidji State coach Tom Serratore said.
Michigan coach Red Berenson said the Wolverines are playing their best now because they need to.
``I know personally when you get confidence and you get a little pressure and a little sense of urgency you can pick up the pace. I think our team is really feeling that feeling,'' he said. ``This is the time of year where we're playing for our season. I think everyone is putting everything out on the ice.''
The Wolverines will face Central Collegiate Hockey Association -rival Miami in the regional final 8 p.m. Sunday. The Wolverines, who finished seventh in the conference, needed a win over the RedHawks in the CCHA semifinals and Northern Michigan in the final to keep their season alive.
Walk-on goalie Shawn Hunwick, the MVP of the CCHA tournament, continued his strong play. He made 26 saves to improve to 8-1 since replacing starting goalie Bryan Hogan, who suffered a severe groin injury.
``He's been phenomenal since he's been in net,'' said Louie Caporusso, who scored in the second period.
Hagelin scored his first goal on a 2-on-1 break after a bad line change by the Beavers. He passed across to Kevin Lynch, Lynch passed it back and Hagelin slid the pack past Bemidji State goalie Dan Bakala.
``Every time we had a breakdown they took advantage of those opportunities,'' Serratore said. ``That's the sign of a great hockey team.''
Berenson said the Wolverines needed the goal to stop Bemidji's momentum.
``That really kept the momentum on our side,'' Berenson said. ``Then the third period tilted our way.''
Hagelin then added a short-handed goal on a breakaway as the Wolverines blew the game open. Luke Glendening also scored for Michigan.
``It's the hottest team in the country and may be the best team in the country right now,'' Serratore said.
