But for a few exciting plays Saturday night, the No. 4 Michigan hockey team’s 2-1 win was nothing but routine.

It was a bit like old time hockey.

The broken sticks, blocked shots, trap defense and solid goaltending was reminiscent of the pre-lockout NHL.

While the game certainly wasn’t the most exciting in the history of Michigan hockey, it completed just what the Wolverines needed this weekend. A sweep.

With six games remaining in the regular season, Michigan (15-7-0-0 CCHA, 21-9-0 overall) needed to win both games to stay within the top four teams in the CCHA and they did just that Saturday.

The game started in similar fashion to Friday’s. The Lakers (6-10-6-1,9-13-8) opened the scoring with a goal from forward Zac MacVoy off a rebound from Michigan sophomore goaltender Bryan Hogan.
The Lakers shot the puck in on Hogan and MacVoy put home the rebound on Hogan’s open stick side.

But like Friday’s game, the Wolverines closed the gap in the waning seconds of the first period.

Sophomore Carl Hagelin got the puck at the blue-line, he then looped around into the slot and fired a wrist shot past Lake Superior goalie Pat Inglis to knot the score with 28 seconds remaining in the opening stanza.

Junior Brian Lebler gave the Wolverines the lead in the middle of the second period, stuffing a rebound shot of his own after Inglis made an initial save.

Sophomore Aaron Palushaj rushed down through the center of the offensive zone and his rebound careened to Inglis’s stick side and Lebler jammed it in the open net.

The low scoring affair didn’t feature many big hits or exciting plays and was evident the student section wasn’t at it’s A game, a gaping hole remained throughout the game.

The penalty situation was greatly improved for the Wolverines compared to the opening game. Michigan had just three penalties called on them through two periods.

In fact the Wolverines enjoyed the power play for much of the last five minutes of the game, helping them to finish off the Lakers.
Both teams played similar games, but Michigan got a few more bounces on its side than did the Lakers.

Several chances in front of Hogan were either tipped away by the Wolverine defense or saved by the Michigan netminder.

In the second period, Lake Superior nearly tied up the game on a rebound goal, but senior Tim Miller took a smart penalty and hooked the player down before he could put it in.

The win gives Michigan sole possession of third place in the CCHA with 30 points, just two behind Miami of Ohio. The Wolverines return to Yost Ice Arena next weekend in a crucial series against fifth place Nebraska Omaha.

See SportsMonday for more comprehensive coverage of tonight's loss. And visit The Game for a detailed recap of the game's events.