Michigan v. Clarkson: Game 2 from Albany

--9:30--

MICHIGAN IS HEADING TO THE FROZEN FOUR! Billy Sauer’s incredible goaltending allows the Wolverines to keep their 2 goal lead. Michigan fans are going nuts as the band plays “The Victors” and the Michigan players mob Billy Sauer at the net. Michigan will go to the Frozen Four for the 23^rd time, more than any other school. I will wrap things up shortly.

--9:28--

Billy Sauer is playing out of his mind, making save after save to deny the 6 on 3 attack by Clarkson, as they have pulled Leggio in favor of another attacker. He continues to dive all over the place and denies Clarkson any chance to place the puck in the back of the net.

--9:25--

Steve Kampfer gets called for tripping in front of the Michigan net, but it couldn’t have come at a better time. He bails out Billy Sauer, who nearly gives up a shorthanded goal.

--9:23--

Things are getting crazy in Albany, with the Clarkson attack becoming more frantic. Thankfully, Clarkson’s Tim Marks just got called for slashing with 3:50 left in the period. This is a real backbreaker for the Golden Knights

--9:12--

The linesman has called another penalty, this time on Brandon DeFazio for interference. As I just finish typing this, Chris D’Alvise gets called for a slash, giving Michigan a 5 v. 3 advantage. This is a big momentum gain for Michigan as they can add another goal.

--9:07--

At the beginning of the third period, we were handed a ballot for the 2008 Ice Hockey Championship All-East Regional. Here is how we filled ours out (we promise it’s not too biased):

F- Kevin Porter, Michigan

F-Chad Kolarik, Michigan

F- Matt Beca, Clarkson

D-Mark Mitera, Michigan

D- Travis Anderson, Niagara

G- Billy Sauer, Michigan

MOP: Kevin Porter, Michigan

--9:04—

The announcer, who has a heavy New York accent, has just announced the final of the Wisconsin-Denver game, with Wisconsin winning 6-2. Thankfully, this is not Michigan’s fate, as they were sent to Albany instead of Madison.

--9:00--

The penalty fest continues as Matt Beca is called for roughing. Michigan will have the man advantage once Naurato returns to the ice.

--8:59--

Unfortunately, Brandon Naurato gets called for slashing about a minute into the Michigan power play. It was a silly decision by Naurato right in front of the ref and we will play 4 on 4 hockey. Billy Sauer stands on his head shortly after to keep the 2 goal advantage.

--8:57--

Chris D’Alvise will be called for high sticking, sending the Wolverines back on the power play. The Wolverines are 1-3 on the PP tonight.

--8:53--

GOAL MICHIGAN! The third period starts out with a bang as Porter puts in a backhand goal from beautiful passing from Chad Kolarik and Max Pacioretty. The first line continues to dominate and Kevin Porter now has 5 goals in this regional. With the majority of the third period remaining, the Wolverines can enjoy a 2 goal cushion.

--8:35--

The final minute of play sees the Wolverines take advantage of Clarkson getting caught out of position twice with Kolarik getting stuffed by David Leggio twice, the first on a one on none with the goalie only to beat, the second on a 2 on 0 with Porter hitting Kolarik for the shot. David Leggio just kept Clarkson in this game by himself and a one goal lead going into the 3^rd is very dangerous for the Wolverines. Shots after 2: Clarkson 17, Michigan 14

--8:31--

Another great penalty kill by the Wolverines, Billy had a couple nice saves, and Clarkson is now 0-6 on the power play. The Wolverines are starting to get frustrated by the amount of time they are spending on the penalty kill and it can be seen in their offense.

--8:26—

Both teams saw the penalties go by the wayside, but immediately afterwards, Tristin Llewellyn is hit with a penalty which, was in this humble man’s opinion, a terrible call. This ref unit has worked its way out of the Frozen Four, unless the NCAA wants to see its refs get ripped for terrible officiating on national television. The NCAA chose a terrible set of refs for this weekend and hopefully, they wake up before they cost the Wolverines the game with another horrible call.

--8:19--

Chad Langlais has been hit with a cross-checking penalty, which the ref declined to call but the linesman made from VERY FAR AWAY. Clarkson has followed the penalty with a great attack and a couple good scoring chances, before Nick Dodge is hit with a penalty on his takedown of Tim Miller.

--8:14--

The Wolverines kill off another penalty, pushing Clarkson to 0-4 on the power play tonight. The game has turned into a grind fest with a lot of shoving and very little offense.

--8:09--

Tristin Llewellyn has received a two-minute minor for cross-checking with 13:43 left in the period, the Wolverines go back on the penalty kill, where they are 3 for 3 on the night in successfully killing the Golden Knight’s power play. The penalty was a result of a scrum in front of Billy Sauer as Clarkson had a great attempt at a goal.

--8:05--

Not much going on in Albany as both teams have skated full bore for the first five minutes of the 2^nd period, and have created a combined total of zero good scoring chances. The closest for Michigan was a 2-1 for Tim Miller and Danny Fardig which resulted in Fardig having an open net, but whiffing on the attempt. Clarkson’s closest was a slap shot set up for Detroit Red Wings prospect Bryan Rufenach, but he whiffed on his attempt.

--7:42--

The first period has come to a close here in Albany, with Michigan leading 1-0 thanks to Palushaj’s wraparound goal. The shots on goal are tied at 10. Billy Sauer has made some great saves to keep the Wolverines in the game. The play is much more physical than it was last night as the Golden Knights look to slow down the powerful Michigan offense. They remind Tony, Andrew, and I of Michigan State’s trap style. We also agree that Clarkson fans are as obnoxious as all get-out. Michigan will be on the PK once play resumes.

--7:40--

25 seconds from the end of the period, Kampfer goes back into the box for holding. The penalty seemed to come out of frustration, as the play since the Michigan goal has been in the Michigan zone.

--7:35--

A questionable tripping call comes to Steve Kampfer, putting Clarkson back on the power play. Fan rain down “Worst Ref Ever” onto the referee tonight. Keep in mind that these are the same fans that have put up with Shegos all year.

--7:30--

GOAL MICHIGAN! Freshman Aaron Palushai took the puck from behind the net and made a nice wraparound goal, catching Leggio out of position and putting the Blue ahead 1-0 on the power play. Assists were awarded to Mark Mitera and Kevin Porter and the goal came about 15 minutes into the first. Just like last night, Michigan scores first, which will hopefully give them some momentum to carry to the end of the period.

--7:27--

Michigan just had their best scoring opportunity turned away by Leggio. Chad Kolarik got the puck near the Clarkson net, made a nifty move to go high, but it was saved by the Clarkson netminder. After the play, Kolarik was interfered with by Clarkson defenseman Phil Paquet, but Chad helped it with a dive. Once the penalty was called, Paquet grabbed Kolarik’s cage and pushed it down. Kolarik was called for “embellishment,” the first time I have heard that called, and Paquet will be penalized 2 minutes for interference and 2 minutes for roughing after the whistle. Michigan will go back on the power play to try and get a goal here in the first.

--7:20--

Billy Sauer just made two great saves to keep this game scoreless, one on a point blank one-timer. This is reminiscent of the CCHA championship round, where Billy had a slow first night and had to play well against Miami in the title game.

--7:14--

Matt Rust gets called for interference to put the Golden Knights on the power play for the first time. Michigan has yet to find the tempo they set up last night and they are looking to keep up the solid penalty kill they maintain in their game versus Niagara.

--7:08--

The first penalty of the night comes as Brandon DeFazio takes a contact to the head penalty. Both teams have been back and forth early in this first period and neither have been able to set up a good scoring chance. Hopefully this power play will give Michigan some momentum early in the game. On a side note, there is a good showing by Clarkson fans and they have not been silent since the puck dropped. We aren’t near the Michigan fans, but they are awfully hard to hear.

--7:04--

Let’s Play Hockey! The puck is dropped and Michigan tries to continue their season. Clarkson gets a quick shot of on Billy Sauer, but he makes the save. Below are the starting lineups for each team. Scooter Vaughn is dressed for this game and will play alongside Mark Mitera on the blue line.

Clarkson -> LW – Chris D’Alavise
D - Steve Zalewski
RW – Matt Beca
D – Grant Clitsome
D – Phil Paquet
G – David Leggio

Michigan -> LW – Max Pacioretty
C – Kevin Porter
RW – Chad Kolarik
D – Mark Mitera
D – Chris Summers
G – Billy Sauer

--6:40--

We have settled in for the East regional final and a set to watch our Wolverines take on the #3 seed Clarkson Golden Knights. These two teams have not played each other since 1962 when Clarkson defeated Michigan in the Frozen Four. Red Berenson was at this game, but was a player instead of a coach. Michigan fans continue to stream in to root on the #1 ranked Wolverines. We won’t be able to blog live again, but will have our posts and final thoughts after the game.

Michigan v. Niagara: Game 1 from Albany

--10:02--

VICTORY! The Michigan Hockey Pep Band plays “The Victors” as the game ends, 5-1, in favor of the Wolverines. Michigan out shot Niagara 39 to 17 and added 3 more goals in the third period and Michigan captain Kevin Porter adds 4 goals to bring his season total to 32. I will be back with my final thoughts and hopefully a few highlights.

--9:59--

GOAL MICHIGAN! What a night for Kevin Porter as he adds an empty-net goal for the Wolverines. He took the puck away from a Niagara defenseman to score his fourth goal tonight and make it 5-1 Michigan. There is now less than a minute in the game and Michigan looks to close out the game strong.

--9:54--

Our media friend Mark Damico who was watching the game by us has handed me a sheet to promote a new college hockey website, http://d1hockey.com/. He knows his hockey and is just looking to spread the word. He tells me that there will be a nice article on Michigan hockey, including his interview with Michigan coach Red Berenson. The site will be fully operational after the Frozen Four.

UPDATE: In the middle of the second period, he predicted a 5-1 Michigan win, which it was. Like I said, he knows his stuff.

--9:51--

The shutout is done as Niagara scores for the first time tonight. Captain Matt Caruana scores his 17^th goal this year off an assist from Vince Rocco. There is a little under 4 minutes to play in Albany as Michigan looks to hold off the Purple Eagles for the remainder of the game.

--9:47--

The Niagara power play ends as Kyle Rogers is called for roughing. Once Hagelin’s penalty is done, the Wolverines will go back on their 2 for 4 power play unit.

--9:46--

Carl Hagelin takes an elbow to the head penalty for Michigan. The Wolverines penalty kill has been great all night, staving off the Niagara special teams that came into the game 3^rd in the nation. The Purple Eagles will look to add at least one goal tonight and take a little momentum away from Michigan.

--9:41--

HAT TRICK FOR KEVIN PORTER! The top line adds another goal as the Michigan fans throw hats on the ice and rain “Hobey Baker” chants onto Porter, who now has 31 goals on the year. Michigan now leads 4-0 with 8:58 left to play in the third. Chad Kolarik picks up his fourth assist on the night and Max Pacioretty adds his third along with his goal. More pretty puck movement from the Wolverines led to this goal, allowing “The Victors” to resonate once again in Albany.

--9:40--

Shortly after the Michigan goal, a hooking penalty comes to Niagara winger Paul Zanette, so the Maize and Blue will have a chance to add another power play goal. They are 1 for 3 with the man advantage tonight.

--9:37--

GOAL MICHIGAN! Kevin Porter adds his second goal of the night off a shot from defenseman Tristin Llewellyn. The shot bounced around in front of the net, touching Max Pacioretty and Chad Kolarik before Porter puts the loose puck in the back of the net. Michigan’s first line is now responsible for all 3 of Michigan’s goals.

--9:32--

We are 6 minutes into this third period and Niagara has upped their physical play and intensity. Michigan seems to be playing back, but still have only allowed one shot on goal. Niagara has kept the play so far in the Michigan zone, but the defense continues to step up. Billy Sauer just made a nice save to keep the two goal lead.

--9:07--

End of the 2^nd period from Albany, the Wolverines up 2-0 thanks to goals from Max Pacioretty and Kevin Porter. Michigan out shot Niagara 19-5 that period, leaving Niagara in desperate need of some changes during this intermission.

--8:54--

Pagliero doing all he can to keep Niagara in this game as he has faced 26 shots so far this game, while only allowing 2 goals. The Wolverines have a 26-7 shot advantage with 6:30 left in the second period.

--8:45--

2-0 MICHIGAN! A great play by the top line, breaking out of the defensive zone and the perfectly run 3-2 break by Kevin Porter, Max Pacioretty, and Chad Kolarik. Patch brings the puck into the zone, drops it off to the trailing Kolarik who feeds the puck between the two Niagara defenders to Kevin Porter. Porter then beats Pagliero five-hole for a great goal and a 2-0 Wolverine lead.

--8:34--

After a tough first period, the Wolverines are absolutely dominating to start this second period, outshooting Niagara 7-0 in the first 5 minutes. Niagara will try to take advantage of the possible momentum killer as a pane of glass comes loose just over 6 minutes into the period.

--8:30--

The Wolverines successfully kill off another penalty, as Niagara gets no shots on goal during that power play and have been out shot by Michigan 11-0 since the Purple Eagles took an early shot advantage in the first period.

--8:28--

With 18:41 left in the second, the Wolverines now are back on the PK following a hooking penalty by Matt Rust.

--8:26--

GOAL MICHIGAN! Power play is finally taken advantage of by the Wolverines, as Max Pacioretty gets the power play goal, his 15^th of the season, to put Michigan ahead 1-0. Assists to Chad Kolarik and Aaron Palushaj, with the primary assist coming on a spectacular pass by Mr. Kolarik.

- 8:24--

The puck is dropped and the second period is under way here in Albany and Michigan resumes the power play left from the first period.

-- 8:09 --

The first period here in Albany has come to a close with Michigan and Niagara tied 0-0. Michigan has been slowed by some physical play by the Purple Eagles and numerous whistles by the referees. Michigan put 11 shots on goal, while Niagara has put only 4 on Billy Sauer. Both defenses are playing physical hockey and are trying to slow down the strong offenses from both teams. The Wolverines will be on the power play for 1:16 once play resumes in the second period.

--8:03 --

Not a minute after Niagara killed their first penalty, Michigan will go back onto the power play after Purple Eagles’ captain Matt Caruana was called for boarding.

--8:00 --

The Wolverines will go on the power play after Kevin Porter was tripped up by Niagara defenseman Scott Langdon, who was serenaded with the “See Ya” chant, at 14:09.

--7:58--

Michigan has just had two great scoring opportunities, including a Hagelin-Rust 2 on 1, but both have been turned away by two nice saves from Juliano Pagliero.

-- 7:46 --

Niagara will have the first power play opportunity as Chris Summers takes an elbowing to the head penalty at 7:46 on mid-ice. The penalty came in retaliation from a big hit from a Niagara player. Michigan’s 14^th ranked penalty kill will go to work for the first time against the potent Purple Eagles’ offense.

-- 7:34 --

The puck drops and the NCAA Men’s Hockey Tournament begins for the Maize and Blue.

--7:28 --

The Michigan Hockey Pep Band has just played the National Anthem and both teams are being introduced tonight, Michigan in their maize sweaters, Niagara in black. There are about 2 sections filled with Michigan faithful. One notable scratch for Michigan is Scooter Vaughn, who supposedly injured his shoulder in a pre-tournament practice and is replaced byEric Elmblad, whose only appearance was in the CCHA Tournament versus Nebraska-Omaha. Here are the starting lineups for each team:

Niagara-> LW – Vince Rocco
C – Matt Caruana
RW- Kyle Rodgers
D – Scott Langdon
D – Ryan Annesley
G – Juliano Pagliero

Michigan -> LW – Max Pacioretty
C – Kevin Porter
RW – Chad Kolarik
D – Mark Mitera
D – Chris Summers
G – Billy Sauer

--7:10--

Due to unforeseen complications with the NCAA blogging policy, we cannot bring you the first game live here at the East Hockey regional. We will be working throughout the game on getting credentials and will post highlights and the blog entry after the game is over.

Update: I have sent an email the NCAA.com Blog Central to try and get this up for tomorrow. Even if we can, there are still regulations on how often we can blog and have a NCAA link on our page. Apparently there was an issue with a guy blogging play-by-play from a baseball game a few years ago. I've never worked directly with the NCAA before, and let me tell you, it's frustrating.

--4:34--

Just under 3 hours from drop of the puck for the Wolverines and Purple Eagles from Times Union Center in Albany. We have arrived safe and sound and will be heading over to the arena soon. Depending on wireless strength from the arena, we should have a continuous blog throughout the game. Check back closer to game time.