Michigan is heading back to the big stage, but it was anything but a smooth cruise in Albany. The Wolverines built a three-goal cushion, then spent the third period hanging on for dear life in a 4-3 win over Minnesota Duluth in the NCAA Albany regional final on Sunday, locking up a spot in the Frozen Four and the national semifinals.
Michigan jumped out early
According to The Detroit News, Michigan set the tone right away with three first-period goals, turning the opening 20 minutes into a statement. The Wolverines later added a fourth tally to round out their scoring in what the outlet described as a balanced effort, with Will Horcoff, Adam Valentini, Jayden Perron and Garrett Schifsky all finding the back of the net.
Duluth mounted a late charge
The comfortable lead did not last. As NCAA.com reported, Minnesota Duluth roared back in the third period with three rapid strikes that turned a near-rout into a nail-biter. Harper Bentz scored less than a minute into the frame, Ty Hanson converted on a power play with about 10 minutes to play, and Scout Truman cut the deficit to one with 3:04 remaining. The Bulldogs pressed hard in the closing minutes but could not come up with the equalizer.
Goaltending decided the margins
In the end, it was goaltending that drew the line between survival and collapse. Michigan netminder Jack Ivankovic turned away 30 of 33 shots, while Minnesota Duluth’s Adam Gajan stopped 23 of 27 in a tight, physical regional final. Those numbers, highlighted by The Detroit News, underlined how critical Ivankovic’s late saves were as Michigan protected its slim edge down the stretch.
What’s next
With the win, No. 1 overall seed Michigan (31-7-1) moves on to the Frozen Four, where the Wolverines will face Denver in the national semifinals. That showdown, part of a bracket now locked in for University Park, shapes up as a marquee matchup and gives Michigan a chance to turn its strong early-season form into a full-fledged national title push, per NCAA.com.
