LIVEBLOG: Basketball v. Purdue

LIVE Blog: Syracuse vs UConn (from the 5th OT on)

We at WCBN have a tradition where any game that goes into five overtimes gets a live blog. So here we are, 12:45 AM in a Holiday Inn Express in Indianapolis live blogging from bed.

When we got back to the hotel at about 10:30 we were planning on watching the Cavs/Suns game. Flipping through the channels, we saw that the Syracuse/UConn game was close with five minutes or so to go in the second half so we decided to watch the end of that and then flip back to LeBron and Co (which had just tipped off).

Well here we are about two hours later still watching UConn/Syracuse as the Cavs/Suns enter the fourth quarter? What are the odds this college game ends before the Cavs?

4:30: Ofensive foul, must mean someone else has fouled out. In another minute or two we're gonna get the waterboys to suit up. Adam Sandler anyone?

3:45: Another offensive fouls...too bad the refs get paid by the game, not by the foul...they'd be raking in the dough this game.

3:15: Flynn's going to have played over 60 minutes by the time this game is over...West Virginia's gotta be sleeping well tonight knowing whoever they play might not wake up by tip-off tomorrow.

2:30: These teams are exhausted. Can we get a mercy timeout?

2:01: ESPN threw up the stat earlier - this is the fourth quadruple OT game this season in the NCAA. Really? Who played the other four

2:00: There goes Devendorf...Syracuse now has two guys in there who hadn't played a minute all night before the OT's started.

1:55: ESPN's crew is making a big deal about a walk-on coming into the game right now for Syracuse. Big Deal! Michigan regularily plays two walk-ons!

1:30: I proposed this back in the third OT before we felt the need to live blog: I say that for games that go to OT, players are allowed one extra foul before fouling out. This way you don't have guys who haven't played all year deciding the Big East Championship.

1:20: We've been watching this so long that Rob's foot's fallen asleep.

1:05: It's been an hour and twenty minutes since Devendorf hit what appeared to be the game winning three. As Rob said, I bet the refs really wished that they had just counted that bucket and ended it.

1:00: Jim Boeheim wins the award for best facial expressions of the NCAA postseason thusfar. It's a surprise that he has any hair left on his head at this point.

0:56: Even the bench players have fouled out at this point. Another OT or two and it's going to be a 3-3 halfcourt game with make-it, take-it.

0:35: He's played two minutes all night but he might have hit a game-winner right there. Who's he? I have no idea. Hagelson? What's a Hagelson?

0:20: Gotta love Johnny Flynn's body language which helped that second free throw rattle it's way home.

0:00: No way. OT #6 here we come! Current debate in room 215 is what exactly one calls a sixth overtime. Sextuple OT, right?

How come everytime this college game goes to a timeout the cavs game is a commercial as well? The Cavs game is going to end before the college game despite starting two hours later!

Syracuse has never led in any of the overtimes. That is astounding.

OT #6
4:45: Finally, Syracuse has their first lead in overtime. Matt's right, this is like a bad pick-up game on one of the CCRB side courts. Matt's making a lot of good points:

1. Most the starters will be fine and rested for tomorrow since they've been fouled out for the last three or four OT's
2. It's a good thing Ed Hightower isn't on this game or there wouldn't be anybody left to play on either side

3:20: UConn is just forcing terrible shots, Syracuse has a chance to pull away. Looks like this won't tie the NCAA record of 7 OT's

2:50: Do you think that kid woke up this morning thinking that he'd get his first rebound of the season in a sixth overtime tonight?

2:34: That could be the dagger. Walk-on #11 got stuffed by the rim but stayed with it getting the basket and the foul

2:30: The timer is falling asleep as the clock didn't start for a few seconds after the free-throw.

2:25: Apparently they taught Jay Bilas how to play Sodoku at Duke. He just compared the line score to the game.

1:38: Game time thus far is three hours and twenty minutes. Seven players have fouled out. I think it's just about safe to say that this one is over. I think UConn keeps their #1 seed

1:16: Wow this race is close. 1:16 left in the college game, 1:46 left in the Cavs game. Which will end first? It's going to be close. Matt has the college game, I'm going to go with the Cavs.

0:58: UConn is doing it's best to keep it interesting but Syracuse is going to come away with this well deserved win. They didn't lead until the sixth overtime but they hung tough and hit the clutch shots when they had to. Great college basketball game and great way to start the madness. We'll be back with you tomorrow live blogging Michigan vs Illinois. By the way, the college game finished about a minute and a half before the cavs game ended.

Wings/Pens Triple Overtime Live Blog

So I started watching this game at 8 at my house before leaving to go watch the rest of it at Damons with some friends. At 11:00 Damons closed, at which point we were shot dirty looks from the waitstaff for the next half hour until one of them finally came up to us and asked us to start heading out. At that point, the second overtime was about to end, so we figured that'd be a good time to leave. I just got home to watch the last few minutes of OT number two, so now i'm ready to live-blog the third overtime

19:32: The would have been kind of disappointing if they scored so quickly. After that 15-minute intermission, I want at least five or six minutes of solid hockey before the winner

16:41: I forgot, I don't have to comply with the NCAA blogging policy of just three posts per period.

15:43: It's making me tired just watching these guys.

14:25: Matt Boyer and I were talking about how this game is reminding us of the last OT marathon we watched earlier in the playoffs between Dallas and San Jose that went into the 4th OT. I hope this one ends soon, I've gotta get up in a few hours.

13:10: Tony, I hope your heart was up for this challenge. I wonder how the fans are holding up down there at the Joe

11:44: Franzan had a good look there...wide open in front. The Wings have definitely been the more aggressive team, you can't keep giving them all these chances and expect to live another game if you're the Penguins

10:39: Wow! Horrible penalty to take, it'll be a four-minute advantage for the Penguins. If they don't score here, the Wings are going to win it.

10:03: Well, he called it. Sykora said earlier in the period that he was going to get the game-winner and he backed it up, beating Osgood glove-side to force game six back in Pittsburgh.

Good night!

Game 5's: Will A Road Team Please Stand Up? (Continued)

LIVE BLOG: Jazz @ Lakers Game 5- 2nd Half

12:13am: O, Kyle. Interesting pic, to say the least.

12:15am: Quick start to 2nd half for Utah. 4 straight points.

12:16am: Harlan: "Going back to the 2nd quarter, Utah is on a 19-12 run." Not sure that counts.

12:17am: Kirilenko with a nice reverse layup... Utah within 1.

12:18am: I was watching Jack Hanna on Letterman at the half. Good stuff.

12:19am: Nice move by Odom. Remember back to that Heat-Pistons playoff series from a few years ago. Wade was a rookie and Odom was a star. He looks so much more comfortable as the 3rd option for the Lakers.

12:20am: Speaking of Odom, he was hit on the chin and heads to the bench.

12:21am: Don't you like how once a quarter the announcers provide the TV viewer with the national TV schedule?

12:22am: Deron Williams makes 2 free throws to bring the Jazz back within 1.

12:24am: Harlan on a game-tying three by Williams, "Bulls-eye."

12:25am: Kobe posts up and takes Deron Williams to the basket... LA by 2.

12:26am: Great pass, Kobe to Odom, Lakers back up by 4.

12:26am: Ronnie Brewer has been awesome. He elevates high above the rim for the offensive rebound and put back.

12:27am: Timeout inside of 5 minutes in the 3rd quarter. Very good game so far, Lakers 73-Jazz 71.

12:29am: I mentioned about how much I liked the WNBA commercials. Well, I like the NBA playoff commercials with the split faces talking at the same time nearly as much. Having said that, I'm not sure that Derek Fisher should represent the Lakers in it.

12:31am: Kobe has to start to take over more offensively. We'll see if his back holds up. Harlan discussing how he seems to be laboring a bit.

12:33am: Tied at 73 at the 3:21 mark of the 3rd quarter.

12:35am: Turnovers on both ends. Going to commercial on a Dodge Journey ad, Harlan talking about Collins, says: "he drives as fast as a bullet... he drives with one hand... he gets a pizza... he loves Beverly Hills... and he loves a Dodge Journey.

12:39am: An easy dunk for Brewer, who now has 16 pts. LA is now in a 4 minute scoring drought, as the Jazz get within 1.

12:41am: And-1 drive for Kobe, who now has 22 pts and a free throw coming.

12:44am: Kobe draws a charge from Millsap. 2 point Lakers lead in the final minute of the quarter.

12:45am: Price with a layup at the 8 second mark to tie the game. Farmer misses a 3 at the buzzer. After 3, Utah 81-LA Lakers 81. We are instore for quite a 4th quarter.

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12:47am: Before the drama of the 4th quarter begins, I digress with a picture of the now former couple of Romo and Jessica. Too bad, I thought it could have worked out for them. O well.
12:50am: Big 3 by Radmonovic to start the 4th quarter.
12:51am: Korver hits a rare 2, Utah within 1.
12:52am: The Lakers are bailed out by a Matt Harpring foul against Luke Walton attempting a fade away jumper as the shot clock wound down.
12:54am: Remarkably, the Jazz have never led.
12:55am: Nice pick-and-roll by LA and an excellent finish by Gasol. Deron Williams responds on the other end.
12:56am: Farmar will go to the line to complete the 3 point play...LA leads by 3.
12:57am: Shane Battier just announced that he will no longer be a candidate for the US Olympic team this summer. How was he a candidate to begin with?
12:59am: Kobe has been on the bench for the entire 4th quarter thus far. Lakers up by 2.
1:00am: We're now passed the 5 hour mark of live blogging. My fingers are beginning to tire some. Only 8 minutes left... in regulation.
1:01am: Nice slam by Odom off a feed by Kobe, who just checked back into the game.
1:02am: Terrible foul call by Tommy Washington on Kirilenko against a falling Sasha. Jazz are now into the penalty at the 6:53 mark of the 4th.
1:04am: Gasol reminds me of Chris Webber as a passer. Great feed to Lamar who slams it home and is fouled. Odom makes the foul shot and the Lakers lead by 6.
1:05am: The Jazz committ their postseason high 19th turnover. Timeout on the floor with 6:01 to play in the 4th... 97-91 LA.
1:08am: Upcoming NBA Playoffs schedule- Hornets @ Spurs Game 6 is tomorrow night at 9pm on ESPN. Game 6's of Boston-Cleveland and LA-Utah are Friday night at 8:00 and 10:30, respectively, on ESPN.
1:09am: Jazz now down by 4 after 2 free throws by Okur.
1:11am: Both teams now into the penalty. Boozer to shoot two at the line. He misses the first, makes the second... 3 point game.
1:12am: A lot of fouls in the 4th quarter... Harlan and Collins discussing the importance of free throws down the stretch.
1:13am: Neither team has scored in the last minute. Fisher and Sasha missed 3's for the Lakers and Kirilenko missed a 3 for the Jazz. Timeout on the Floor... 5 point LA lead.
1:17am: Collins on what the Jazz should do: "put the ball in the hands of Deron Williams."
1:18am: Boozer scores off a pass from Williams, 3 point game with 2:43 left.
1:19am: Silly foul by the Jazz on Fisher far away from the basket. Fisher makes both FT's.
1:19am: Sasha picks up a terrible technical foul for yapping with Korver. Collins describes Sasha as "when you're the self-proclaimed machine, you better to come through here."
1:20am: Huge 3 by Deron Williams, just a 1 point game.
1:20am: Dunk by Odom, who now has 22 and 10. LA by 3 with 90 seconds left.
1:21am: Okur with an offensive rebound off of a Deron Williams missed 2, back to a 1 point game.
1:21am: Pau scores down low on the other end... back and forth we go.
1:22am: Quick shot by the Jazz and a missed 3 by Okur.
1:22am: Missed 3 by Sasha, but an offensive rebound and slam by PAU!!! Lakers up by 5, with just 20 seconds left.
1:24am: Matt: "no comments from ssreporters? guess 4 hours of straight hours of following our blog was his limit." I guess so, though he easily broke the comments record for our site tonight.
1:25am: Jazz miss a shot and Fisher is fouled. Derek makes 1 of 2 and the Lakers lead by 6 with 15.5 seconds left.
1:26am: It is certainly looking like no road team will have stood up by night's end. Road teams will fall to 1-19 in the 2nd round. Unbelievable.
1:27am: Boozer hits a baseline jumper to bring the Jazz within 4.
1:28am: Just 3 seconds left, the Lakers lead by 6 and Kobe is fouled.
1:29am: Final score: LA 111-Utah 104. The Lakers now lead the series 3 games to 2. Game 6 will be at 10:30pm on ESPN Friday night.
1:30am: Ok, time to go to sleep. I enjoyed the marathon blogging tonight. I probably will blog the much briefer NBA Draft Lottery next Tuesday night at 8:00. Programming note: You can listen to our coverage of Michigan baseball over the next four days against Northwestern. Rushi Vyas, Andrew Seid, and Rob Salaman will have the call of game one of the series tomorrow night starting at 6:30pm. Talk to you then. Good night!

Game 5's: Will A Road Team Please Stand Up? (CONTINUED)

LIVE BLOG: Jazz @ Lakers Game 5- 1st Half

10:50pm: 8-4 Lakers lead just over 3 minutes into the game.
10:52pm: A nice picture of Phil Jackson and Jeannie Buss.
10:53pm: Brewer with 3 dunks already, 11-8 LA.
10:54pm: Harlan and Collins on the call for TNT. Hopefully, Harlan has another great call like he had for Lebron's dunk in Game 4.
10:55pm: Vladamir hits a shot for the Lakers... 15-8 LA as we head to commercials. Collins lets us know that the Jazz already have 5 turnovers.
10:57pm: Again, I have to reiterate just how great those WNBA commercials are. What a great idea to call out the problems in your own league.
11:00pm: Interesting, I read today that the Jazz were worried about their attendance at Game 4 on Sunday. With the practices of the Mormon faith and their large presence in Salt Lake, Utah thought the might not fill half the arena. Luckily, they were wrong.
11:02pm: Ronnie Brewer with a game high 10 points. Yet, the Lakers lead 19-12.
11:03pm: Kirilenko hits a jumper. Utah within 3.
11:04pm: Quick response by LA with a Radmanovic 3.
11:05pm: Another Vladamir three pointer. Lakers up by 9.
11:06pm: Timeout taken by LA. Great start for the Lakers, as they lead by 7 with 2:52 to play in the 1st quarter.
11:08pm: If you're into the hockey, Dallas avoided the sweep tonight. They beat Detroit 3-1. I'm hoping Game 5 on NBC Saturday goes into overtime, so all the hockey purists can complain about the game shifting to Versus to give way to the Preakness. To me, it's a simple decision for NBC: air a hockey game that barely records a 1.0 rating or the pre-race festivities of the Triple Crown Race that will do more than a 7.0 rating.
11:10pm: I still maintain that when Kyle Korver is on the floor it's a negative for your team. Good job by Eddie Stefanski trading him away from the Sixers.
11:12pm: Korver hits a big 3 to silence me... Jazz down 27-23.
11:13pm: Boozer has only taken 2 shots so far. Wake up, Carlos.
11:14pm: Sloppy 1st quarter, 12 combined turnovers.
11:15pm: Boozer fouled on the way up right at the end of the 1st quarter.
11:17pm: After 1, 29-26 LA. Nice comeback by the Jazz. I got a feeling that this game will go down to the last few minutes of the 4th quarter.
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11:19pm: Picture of the Mormon fans at the Delta... no the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake. Creative
11:21pm: Hey, ssreporters is sticking with us, stating "gosh this PA announcer for the Lakers is soooooooo boring." I haven't noticed, to be perfectly honest.
11:22pm: Aldridge and Jerry Sloan. Can I get that minute of my life back?
11:23pm: Too many turnovers for Utah... they already have 9 tonight.
11:24pm: Collins going crazy, "uh oh" over one made Farmar three pointer.
11:25pm: Man, how good would the Lakers be if Bynum were healthy?
11:26pm: Deron Williams hits a jumper. Utah is hanging around, only down by 3.
11:27pm: Millsap just picked up his third foul. 36-33 Lakers, inside 9 minutes 2nd quarter.
11:29pm: How much do you think Jacksonville State is paying Ryan Perrilloux to play quarterback? More than USC paid OJ Mayo?
11:30pm: It turns out the last foul was on Korver, not Millsap... Paul still with 2 fouls.
11:33pm: Collins make a good point on where the Jazz are starting their offense from, extremely far away from the basket.
11:34pm: Sasha hits a triple and the Lakers lead by 10. Make it 8 after a Boozer layup.
11:36pm: 45-35 LA, Collins: "The Lakers are getting into the lane at will." I agree... this is looking like a blowout, come the second half.
11:40pm: Harlan and Collins discussing the 'throttle' nickname they have given to Deron Williams.
11:41pm: That Kobe and Pau pick-and-roll is so tough to stop.
11:42pm: My friend that was studying in Barcelona last semester said that on the local newscast, Lakers highlights are usually shown in the first ten minutes. 95% of the highlights are Pau-related.
11:44pm: Okur hits a difficult 3. Wouldn't the Pistons like to have him back?
11:45pm: Miles with an awesome dunk for the Jazz. Nice call by Harlan, saying that Miles "drops the sledgehammer."
11:48pm: I just found the American Idol results. Syesha Mercado voted off and next week it'll be a David Cook-David Archuleta finale.
11:49pm: Utah creeping closer, down by 5 with the ball.
11:50pm: What a feed from Bryant to Gasol running the floor. 55-50 Lakers lead with a minute left in the half.
11:52pm: Kobe with 13 pts now after a steal and layup on the other end.
11:53pm: Harlan says The Closer is the #1 cable series of all time and that "it is not very funny."
11:54pm: Entertaining 1st half. LA 61- Utah 54. Pau and Kobe combined for 28 pts. Back with the second half in a new blog at 12:10am.

Game 5's: Will A Road Team Please Stand Up? (Continued)

LIVE BLOG: Cavs @ Celtics Game 5- 2nd Half

Ok, a fresh blog for the second half. Over/under 40 for Lebron. I'm taking the over.

9:26pm: Didn't learn much from halftime. Avery didn't add much insight into where he'll be coaching next year. The Bulls seem likea pretty good fit to me.

9:27pm: Wow, Big Brown is a 1-2 favorite at the Preakness. He's not even worth betting on. Alright, back to basketball.

9:28pm: A nice picture of Doc Rivers. I wonder what he said at the half. Bill Simmons has an idea...http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080514 Hopefully, Simmons leaves ESPN.com soon. It'd be nice to see him rip on his fellow employess.

9:29pm: O, TNT had a camera inside the Celtics locker room. Doc told his team to "make the extra pass every time down."

9:30pm: Quick start for Boston with a Ray Allen bucket. Just a 1 point game.

9:31pm: Another basket by the C's and then a turnover by Cleveland. Boston leads.

9:32pm: Rondo looks terrific to start the second half. Cassell should really never come off the bench.

9:33pm: Man, Fratello is older than I thought. Doc Rivers played 7 years for him.

9:34pm: Great defensive play by Rondo to strip Delonte West. TNT is stuggling with their scoreboard. It just changed from 50-48 Boston to 49-49. I guess we're tied.

9:35pm: Fratello discussing the hand signals of Mike Brown. Stockton took a shot at Spygate.

9:36pm: Tied at 53. Garnett and Z exchange baskets.

9:37pm: Ben Wallace is playing like it is 2004.

9:39pm: The last few minutes have been played at a very high level. 60-57 Boston.

9:40pm: Largest lead of the game for the C's at 5. Mike Brown takes a TO as Dick Stockton says, "we're cruising through the streets of Boston."

9:42pm: ssreporters: "It may already be over. Why they are letting LeBron not handle the ball is beyond me, and Boston won't miss because Cleveland's big men are probably the most unathletic of all time." I'm not sure that it's over yet, but Lebron has to get the ball more.

9:43pm: Wow, how great are those WNBA commercials. I may actually watch.

9:44pm: Why is Joe Smith drving to the basket? Cavs are in real trouble.

9:45pm: Hey, Ryan Howard homered... Phils down by 3.

9:47pm: Stockton on Perkin's defense of Lebron, "he squeezed him."

9:50pm: ssreporters: "I'm convinced Boston will win by 20 now...Plus the NBA is fixing this so that the favorites make their way in like Detroit, Boston, LA...maybe San Antonio." I don't believe in NBA conspiracies... why did Oden and Durant go to Portland and Seattle, respectively? However, assigning Joey Crawford to that Spurs game last night certainly leads you to believe the NBA would like to oust the Spurs from the playoffs.

9:51pm: Joe Smith to the line to shoot 2 as Perkins picks up his 4th foul. Boston leads by 8.

9:53pm: Fratello saying the Celtics listened to their head coach. Now, that's a first.

9:54pm: Boston up double digits. Lebron still has not scored this quarter. I guess I lost that over/under bet.

9:56pm: Lebron finally hits his first field goal of the second half. 71-61 Celtics with less than a minute left in the 3rd.

9:58pm: Boston up by 9 after outscoring the Cavs 29-17 the 3rd quarter, alone.

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9:59pm: ssreporters: "You believe me now Rob S.? Cleveland Centers = Series Loss." Yeah, starting too. That was an ugly quarter for them. Lebron needs a huge 4th or this series is over. I don't see Cleveland winning a Game 7 in Boston.

10:03pm: Nice glasses I found on Big Ben.

10:05pm: Gibson to the locker room with an apparent injury. Too many missed free throws for the Cavs.

10:07pm: Game being called very closely to start the 4th quarter. TNT doesn't want the Lakers game to start until 10:50.

10:08pm: Joe Smith with a nice basket, as the Cavs get back within 8.

10:09pm: Garnett now 10 for 15. Lebron scores on the on the other end. He now has 27 pts.

10:10pm: Big Baby Davis with an awkard foul on Wally. 80-70 Boston leads as we get a TO nearly halfway through the 4th quarter.

10:11pm: By the way, Phils lost 8-6 to the Braves. Rubber game of the series is tomorrow.

10:14pm: TNT with their Yellowbook Future Faces feature of David West out of the commercial.

10:15pm: I like the Spurs to come back and win in 7.

10:16pm: Booby Gibson with a shoulder contusion injury. Not good news for the Cavs down the stretch.

10:17pm: Rondo with a runner in the lane, C's up by 12. Amazing how different of a team they are at home.

10:19pm: It looks like home teams will go to 18-1 in the 2nd round of the playoffs. That 8.5 point spread is still in play.

10:21pm: Those NBA Cares features are a little much. Maybe I spoke to soon as West drives to the basket for 2.

10:22pm: Offensive foul on LeBron. Boston has really ramped up the D in the second half.

10:24pm: West is the best player on the floor right now... Cavs down by 8 with 4 minutes left. Cleveland has missed 10 free throws.

10:26pm: Stockton: "Rondo is the player of the game, has turned it over only once."

10:29pm: Fratello discussing the size of the trophy given to Danny Ainge for being named Executive of the Year.

10:31pm: Celtics closing in on a 3-2 series lead. I still have a feeling that we will back in Boston for a Game 7 on Sunday afternoon.

10:32pm: Hold on, West with a steal. Now, its just a 6 point game.

10:33pm: Wally misses a big 3 with 90 seconds left.

10:34pm: Pierce makes 1 of 2 from the line. Boston up 7. LeBron to the basket to make it 89-84 C's.

10:36pm: Pierce back to the foul line and makes both.

10:37pm: LeBron fould en route to the basket. He should have been more aggressive earlier this quarter.

10:38pm: Stockton: "This is playoff basketball, so hard fouls are the rule."

10:38pm: West with a steal and hits both free throws to bring the Cavs within 4.

10:39pm: Stockton lets us know that when we return it will be time for the Charles Schwab Time to Talk. I can't wait.

10:40pm: Boston milks the clock and gets the rebound off of a Garnett miss. The Cavs are forced to foul Pierce with 15.6 seconds left.

10:41pm: Pierce makes both free throws. Bos 93-Cle 87. Stockton: "3 pointers have to be the order of the day for the Cavaliers."

10:43pm: ssreporters: "Some of the most careless mistakes ever by Boston. Cleveland should be dead by now." I agree, at least it looks like I'll win against the spread.

10:44pm: West is fouled with 12.2 seconds left. Two foul shots down by 6.

10:45pm: Delonte makes both. Cleveland immediately fouls both. Game status: 93-89 Boston, 11.6 secs left.

10:46pm: Jazz-Lakers started on TBS. They couldn't have waited two more minutes. Pierce makes both... timeout Cavs.

10:47pm: 5 second violation for the Cavs. That should do it.

10:49pm: EJ lets us know it's 3-0 Lakers. The Celtics survive a late scare and win Game Five 96-89. The dominance of home teams continues. The live-blogging continues with a fresh blog for the Jazz-Lakers Game 5.

Game 5's: Will A Road Team Please Stand Up?

I enjoyed live blogging Game 6 of the Pistons-Sixers series last week. So, I'll be back at it tonight with two pivotal Game 5's, Celtics-Cavs at 8pm and Lakers-Jazz at 10:30pm. Just a hunch, but I think Lebron may have a Game 5 performance like last year up his sleeve tonight. Also, Avery Johnson will be a guest in the TNT studio. The 5+ hour live blogging marathon begins at 8:00. Talk to you then.

Predictions: Cleveland (+8) and LA Lakers (-8.5).

LIVE BLOG: Cavs @ Celtics Game 5- 1ST HALF

8:00pm: Ok, top of the hour and ready to go. I'm very much looking forward to these two games. Two big news items prior to tipoff: 1-Kobe is expected to play despite the back injury and 2-Edwards endorsed Obama...finally. Alright, time for basketball.

8:01pm: Excellent intro video tease by Ernie Johnson of TNT.

8:02pm: Dick Stockton and Mike Fratello on hand at the Garden for the call on TNT. I can't help to think back when a much younger Stockton, alongside Hubie Brown, called the Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals games of the 1980s at the old Boston Garden for CBS.

8:03pm: Celtics win the opening tip. Shot clock violation for the C's right out of the gate.

8:04pm: I happen to disagree with Rushi's statement on the Pistons in the above post that they "are the team to beat, not only in the east." I'd take the Lakers and Spurs against them in the Finals.

8:05pm: What a start. The Cavs out-do the Celtics with a missed technical free throw for a defensive 3 and then a shot clock violation.

8:06pm: Lebron makes his 1st shot. I'm telling you...he's due for a huge game.

8:09pm: Wally nails a 3 pointer. Great start for the Cavs, they lead 7-2.

8:10pm: Rondo shoots too much...turnover by the Cavs, now 4 and a half minutes into the game.

8:12pm: Good end-to-end action. Pierce hits a 3 for Boston and then Lebron gets a steal and gets a conventional three point play.

8:13pm: Ray Allen with 2 fouls at the 6:17 mark of the 1st quarter.

8:15pm: 1st TV timeout of the game. Excellent start for Cleveland... leading by 3. Lebron with 7 points early.

8:17pm: I have a free minute to talk about the lack of success of road teams in these playoffs. 1-17 this round. I'm not sure if I've heard a great reason why. At least, no one can argue next year that the NBA regular season doesn't matter.

8:20pm: Fratello: "2 parts to the shot, one is getting there and the other is finishing the shot."

8:21pm: So far, Skip Bayless is right... Kevin Garnett is really Kevin 'Gar-not'.

8:22pm: Lebron is driving it to the basket at ease. James with 11 early as the Cavs lead 16-9.

8:26pm: ssreporters: "Sasha Varejao...er...Pavlovic." Stockton is up there in years. I remember when he called the Eagles-Falcons playoff game a few years ago and called the Philadelphia Eagles, the Philadelphia 76ers.

8:28pm: Terrible pass by Lebron, easily stolen by Rando. Nice run by Boston to get within 3.

8:29pm: Good call on the block against Varejao, Pierce at the line to complete the 3 point play.

8:30pm: Huge 1st quarter for Wally, now with 8 pts.

8:31pm: Cle 23-Bos 18 after 1. Stockton: "It looks like King James has emerged as a scoring threat." You think.

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8:32pm: ssreporters: "Me thinks Cleveland's 50 turnovers in a quarter will bite them in the 4th....again." Wouldn't suprise me. I got a funny feeling though Lebron will pull it out in the 4th.

8:35pm: As usual, I learned nothing from the Cheryl Miller interview with Doc Rivers.

8:36pm: Sam Cassell in the game. Fratello might put Eddie House in the game for Cassell. Wow, maybe Sam really should retire.

8:37pm: Good point by the Czar on Lebron guarding Cassell.

8:38pm: O, what a move by Lebron. Then, he forces a turnover on the other end. 27-20 Cavs...Lebron has 15.

8:39pm: Stockton: "Sam Cassell is 0-12 in the last 3 games."

8:40pm: Joe Smith with a bucket, Cavs up by 9. Remember when Smith was the #1 pick from Maryland. Man, that's a long time ago.

8:41pm: Stockton going into the commercial: "Where did Lebron James go? He left the court." Huh?

8:43pm: ssreporters, you may set the comments record for our site. I agree, it's only a matter of time before Stockton says, "And James goes in for the touchdown!"

8:44pm: Dick and the Czar talking about the Cavs past uniforms and stadium seat colors. Good times.

8:45pm: Boston does realize it can't win on the road. Their now down double digits.

8:47pm: I would start booing. This is getting ugly.

8:49pm: Ray Allen hits a 3... the Garden crowd into the game for the first time tonight. 8 point game as the Cavs call time.

8:53pm: A nice pic of Sam Cassell.

8:54pm: Garnett gets the bounce off the rim, now a 6 point game.

8:55pm: Make it 8 after Lebron drives to the bucket for 2.

8:56pm: Fratello on James: "the best open field runner in Cleveland since Jim Brown."

8:59pm: Rando hits two 3's in a row. Boston within 6.

9:02pm: Quick check of the Phils, down 8-4 to the Braves after 6. What happened to Brett Myers?

9:04pm: Game status-Lebron has 23 pts, 43-39 Cavs with 1:33 left in the half.

9:05pm: Huge 3 from Delonte West. Garnett hits a shot on the other end for Boston.

9:06pm: Doc calls a 20 second TO. I'm sure he'll draw up a great play.

9:08pm: Well, I was wrong on that one. Nice shot by Pierce. C's have to feel pretty happy to only be down 46-43 at the half. Boston ended the half on 14-3 run.

9:09pm: Lebron with 23 pts in the 1st two quarters. Enjoy Avery Johnson at the half. I'll be back with a fresh blog in 15 for the second half.

Live Game Blog: Michigan v Ohio State Baseball

Top 9th
And if you had taken the 20-1 odds that Mike Tobin offered against Putnam coming back out for the ninth, you could be fairly well off. Burgoon is ready and wam out in left field as he's just watching Putnam work. Lead off single for Zach Hurley and let's see how long Maloney stays with his starter. Big break for Michigan as Brian Delucia hits a sharp liner that Abraham fields on one hop, goes to second for one and the turn is in time for a double play! OSU down to their last out...and there it is, 4-3 ground out does it for Michigan as Zach Putnam turns in a complete game gem. Michigan a winner over Ohio State 4-1!

Bottom 8th
Cavs are about eight minutes from the second round as their lead is out to twenty. Lebron James has his triple double with 20 pts, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. It'll be Ryan LaMarre, Chris Berset, and Kevin Cislo to bat for Michigan in the eighth. Tyler Burgoon continues to warm up out in the Michigan bullpen and with Putnam at 120 pitches, it is highly unlikely that he comes back out for a ninth inning of work. Leadoff walk for LaMarre who is promptly picked off when Berset missed a sacrifice bunt attempt. Cislo is now issued a walk so Michigan has a two-out baserunner for Jason Christian. It's De-ja-vu for Michigan as now Cislo gets caught in a pickle and is tagged out as he was caught leaning towards second. Michigan 4 Ohio State 1 after 8.

Top 8th
Putnam back out there in his 8th inning of work despite topping the 100 pitch mark. Putnam gets the first two buckeyes out quickly on groundouts but here comes J.B. Shuck who is 3-3 on the day with three singles. He's been the only Buckeye to figure Putnam out as they've only managed five hits as a team. Wow, make that six hits as a team and a 4-4 day for Shuck. Shuck normally wears number four, but today his uniform has the number seven on it. Lucky number seven I guess, maybe he'll stick with this one from now on. Putnam strikes out Justin Miller on his 120th pitch of the game to end the inning as it's now 4-1 Michigan.

Bottom 7th
Cislo grounds out to 2nd for the first out of the 7th. Jason Christian stays red hot with a single through the right side. Leif Mahler reaches on a bunt single. 2 on for Michigan now with just 1 out. RBI single by Nate Recknagel, runners still on 1st and 2nd with 1 out. The lead is now 3-1 for the Wolverines. Make it 4-1 Michigan after a RBI single from Zach Putnam. Jake Hale is done... he leaves as the losing pitcher of record. RHP Alex Wimmers is the new Ohio State pitcher. Abraham strikes out looking for the 2nd out. Both runners advance on a wild pitch by Wimmers. The inning comes to a close as VanBuskirk strikes out swinging. However, Michigan gets 2 important insurance runs and now has a 3 run lead.

Top 7th
Base hit right back up the middle by Cory Rupert. Rupert gets a great jump and steals second on the first pitch to Dew. Dew grounds out Recknagel at first. Rupert now at 3rd, representing the tying run, with only 1 out. Maloney out to visit with Putnam... No action in the Michigan bullpen. Burkhart hits a flyball to VanBuskirk to left. It's too shallow too score Rupert, who has to stay put at 3rd base. Putnam retires Engle to end the inning. 7th inning stretch time at the Fish, Michigan still up 2-1.

Bottom 6th
VanBuskirk grounds out to Tyler Engle on a nice play for the 1st out of the inning. Hey, Pedro Feliz homered... Phillies now lead the Giants 4-1. Now 2 away as Oaks strikes out looking. Hale strikes out Berset for a 1-2-3 inning. This is an old-fashioned pitcher's duel, 2-1 Michigan leads.

Top 6th
J.B. Shuck with a 1 out single. Shuck now has 3 singles in the game. Shuck with a stolen base and advances to 2nd with 1 out. Excellent defensive play by both Abraham and Recknagel to retire Justin Miller for the 2nd out of the inning. Hurley grounds out to Recknagel to end the inning. 2-1 Michigan after 5 and a half.

Bottom 5th
It'll be Recknagel, Putnam, and Abraham due up for Michigan as Lebron gets T'd up as time expires in the first half. Daniel Gibson got his arms taken out on a three pointer at the end of the half and somehow nobody called a foul. Lebron was less than pleased with the no-call and let the official know it. Putnam walks to give Michigan a baserunner with one out. That didn't last long as Abraham grounds into a 1-6-3 double play. After 5, Michigan 2 Ohio State 1.

Top 5th
Lebron James is working on a triple double as he has 10 points, 7 assists, and 6 boards through one half. Putnam cruising from the mound as he sets down the Buckeyes in order. Heading to the bottom of the 5th, Michigan 2 Ohio State 1.

Bottom 4th
VanBuskirk singles through the left side of the infield for a lead-off base hit. Another base hit, this time by Oaks. Michigan seems to have figured out Jake Hale. 2 on and nobody out for the Wolverines in the 4th. Sacrifice bunt by Berset, runners advance to 2nd and 3rd with 1 out. Hale losing his control as he hits Cislo. The bases are loaded for the Wolverine lead-off hitter, Christian. Christian gives Michigan the lead for the first time with a sac fly to deep left field. Mahler grounds out back to Hale to end the inning. Michigan takes the lead 2-1 after 4.

Top 4th
Putnam retires the first two batters of the inning. Cory Rupert drew a walk on 5 pitches. Dew grounds out to Mahler to end the inning. 1-1 as we make our way to the last of the 4th.

Bottom 3rd
The Wizards are leading the Cavs early in the second quarter as Lebron has found himself on his back a few times already. Deshawn Stevenson threw up a running three-pointer that barely found glass. Who's overrated? Michigan goes 1-2-3, 1-1 after 3.

Top 3rd
Went to get food. Long line. Don't know what happened, but we're still tied 1-1.

Bottom 2nd
Still 1-0 Ohio State as VanBuskirk bats to lead off the 2nd. Vanbuskirk flies out to Dew in right, 1 away. Full count to Alan Oaks. The next pitches misses down low and Oaks draws a 1 out walk. Hale's throw to first is wild and Oaks advances to second. RBI single by Chris Berset into right field. Oaks just beats the throw from the Buckeye right fielder, now tied 1-1. Cislo hits into a fielder's choice and now is at 1st base with 2 outs. Christian works the count and draws a 6 pitch walk. Michigan now with runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs for Mahler. Leif fouls out to the shortstop to end the inning. 1-1 after 2.

Top 2nd
Putnam retires Ryan Dew on a nice play by second baseman Leif Mahler. Another ground out for Putnam. This time to Abraham, now 2 outs in the inning. A ground ball to shortstop makes it a 1-2-3 inning.

Bottom 1st
Who needs statracker when you've got us? Leadoff walk for Jason Christian is followed by a beautiful sac bunt that Leif Mahler almost beat out for a hit. Christian scampers over to third on a wild pitch. Nate Recknagel is battling at the plate and has worked his way to a 3-2 count with plenty of foul balls along the way. Recknagel strikes out, so now two down for Putnam to try to help his own cause. Putnam is plunked! Runners on the corners now for Adam Abraham who grounds out to end the inning

Top 1st
With one out, Putnam hit Cory Kovanda and then allowed a single to J.B. Shuck. The next batter Justin Miller drilled a single back up the middle to load the bases. After he gave up that second hit, his girlfriend (who is the only fan in attendance wearing a T-Shirt with "Putnam's Girl" written across the back along with a big #3) got up and moved from her seat in the front row to another about halfway up the stands behind home plate. Zach Hurley gets the lone Buckeye run home as he grounds out to Recknagel at first.

Pre-Game
This game is on the Big 10 Network meaning a crowded press box. Thanks to Gene for finding us a phone line at the last minute to get us on the air. We have that on the TV here in the booth, but will be switching over to the Cavs/Wizards game 6 and when that happens this blog may well be the first ever NBA playoff basketball/Big 10 baseball live-game blog

Today we come from the newly renovated Ray Fisher Stadium at the Wilpon Baseball and Softball Complex. Michigan looks to extend its lead in the Big Ten and hand the Ohio State Buckeyes a loss. Zach Putnam, Michigan's All-American takes the mound for the wolverines in game one of this Big Ten series. The weather may be a bit gloomy, but the crowd is filling in and the alumni band is out in force. you can listen live to the game on the WCBN Sports Stream. Stu Zaas, Rob Salaman, and Mike Tobin will be alternating blogging/announcing duties.

Live Game Blog: Michigan vs Notre Dame NCAA Semifinals

And there it is. Notre Dame is headed to the Championship game as Hogan gets beat for the game winner off the stick of Calle Ridderwall for the 5-4 victory. Kevin Porter is the first Wolverine over to console Hogan as he could only turn away so many shots before getting beat. Great game from Denver, unfortunatly, the Irish come away with the win to set up a Notre Dame vs Boston College Championship game on Saturday night. Thanks for tuning in, highlights probably won't be up until tomorrow. Great season for the Wolverines as they came up one goal short of the NCAA Championship

Another big glove save from Hogan keeps things knotted up for the time being. Notre Dame has been the more aggressive team here in overtime. It's only a matter of time before an Irish shot finds the back of the net unless Michigan can pick up their intensity.

A nail-biter here from Denver as we're down to 15 minutes left in overtime and Michigan's holding their own with a true freshman in Bryan Hogan in the net.

15:00 Overtime

The Wolverines have had all sorts of trouble staying onsides as they are called once again for crossing the blue line before the puck, taking away a scoring opportunity as Kolarik and Porter had a 2-2.

Hogan comes up with the first save of OT standing up to the pressure early on. Hogan had to turn away a number of good chances from the Irish including a 2-1 break for Notre Dame

Injury for the Irish right off the opening draw as Christian Hanson went down clutching his knee and had to be helped off the ice.

It sure seems like Berenson's move to pull Billy Sauer in favor of freshman, Bryan Hogan has paid off. Hogan let up just one goal through the second and third periods. The defense seems to have responded best to the challange, stepping up infront of their freshman netminder. While Sauer allowed the three first-period goals, the defense has to shoulder some of that blame as they allowed Notre Dame to break in untouched and get off easy shots on Sauer. Now we'll have to see if the freshman can perform under the pressure of overtime. I'm sure the last place Hogan expected to be when he woke up this morning was between the pipes as overtime was set to begin.

End of Regulation

We are headed to overtime from the Pepsi Center as Michigan has battled back from the 3-0 deficit to force OT! We'll play a 20-minute sudden death overtime period after this 15 minute intermission. The NCAA blogging policy does not tell me how many posts I get in overtime, so I'm going to assume that I get three like the other periods. We're going to go try to catch our breaths, we'll be back with you in a few minutes as OT begins.


Here's some NCAA Tournament overtime history for you: the last time that Michigan appeared in an overtime game during the NCAA tournament was back in 2004 when they fell to Boston College 3-2. Michigan is 6-8 all-time in overtime games while Notre Dame is 1-0 with that victory coming last year over Alabama-Huntsville in double overtime. The last NCAA semifinal to go to OT was back in 2003 as that game saw Michigan lose to Minnesota 3-2 in Buffalo, NY.

Notre Dame has killed off 89.1% of its penalties on the year but Michigan was able to score earlier this period when Kolarik knocked the loose puck into the net. Not so fortunate on this one as Notre Dame kills it without allowing a Michigan shot on goal.

Huge penalty here on Notre Dame as Hagelin is hooked so the Wolverines will be on the power play for two minutes. With just 2:51 to go, Michigan will have the one-man advantage for just about the rest of regulation. Kevin Keeth is the guilty party for the Fighting Irish.

3:28 3rd Period
Unbelievable!!! Goal for the Wolverines as Hagelin ties the game up 4-4 with a backhand that squeezed between Jordan Pearce and the near post! That was the 11th goal on the season for the Swede as Rust and Palushaj pick up assists. A bad goal for Pearce to give up with the one goal lead as he failed to seal off the post allowing Hagelin to bounce the puck in the net.



Big save for Hogan as Notre Dame almost took a two-goal lead. Hogan was able to pounce on the loose puck in the crease to allow Wolverine fans to breath again...not that breathing is easy at this point when you combine the altitute and the way this game has gone

Wolverines have their backs up against the wall now as there are just 7:00 left in their season unless they can come up with another goal to match the Irish. Hogan hadn't been tested until Deeth got in all alone and couldn't come up with the save. He'll have to be strong the rest of the way as another Notre Dame goal could be the dagger.


8:00 3rd Period
Goal for Notre Dame as Kevin Deeth beats Hogan stick side to give the Irish the 4-3 lead with 8:30 left in the game. The goal was the 10th on the year for Deeth as Kissel and Cole pick up assists.

Michigan has been doing uncharacteristically well in the faceoff circle winning 35 of the 54 faceoffs on the night.

Notre Dame with the only major scoring chance in the last five minutes but Hogan able to come up with the pad save.

The two semifinal games today were announced as sellouts. Interestingly enough, they announced 18,543 for the first game and 18,544 for the second. I wonder who that extra person was that decided to check out Michigan vs Notre Dame? There are plenty of empty seats here in the Pepsi Center as roughly half of the North Dakota fans left after their 6-1 loss but attendance is based on tickets sold, not people in the seats.

14:26 3rd Period
GOAL!!!!!!!!!! After Aaron Palushaj and Max Pacioretty pounded away at the loose puck, Chad Kolarik scored his second goal of the game, knocking the puck out of the air and around the far post from his position behind the net. Palushaj and Pacioretty pick up the assists. What a job by the Wolverines to claw their way back to an even score. The power-play tally is Kolarik's 30th goal of the season

3rd Period starts with a penalty to Notre Dame for too many men on the ice. Great opportunity for Michigan to even things up here, but they have not had any success on the power-play today as Notre Dame came into today #2 in the nation on the penalty-kill.

Unfortunately the internet is not strong enough for me to post the highlights as they happen, but as soon as we get back to the hotel, I'll get them up.

2nd Period Intermission
Michigan could not convert on the power-play as their best shot came from Caporusso but his shot missed wide. Hogan still has not been tested in goal and that credit goes to the Michigan defense which has figured something out from the first period.

Bryan Hogan has been strong in net and Michigan has seemed to regain their edge and equally important the momentum. Scoring update: Carl Hagelin has been credited with an assist on the Matt Rust goal and Bryan Hogan earned an assist on the Chad Kolarik goal. 3rd period just a few minutes away...I'll be back around the 15:00 mark.

Reminder, you can listen to our live broadcast by clicking here. Tony and Christian have the call of the third period

4:45 Second Period
Now Michigan will be on the power-play as Kolarik drawks a holding penalty. Michigan has done a great job to get within one goal, let's see if they can even it up before the next break.

Roughing penalty coming to Michigan here so Notre Dame will have another two minutes of a one-man advantage as Mark Mitera is sent to the box. After killing off the first thirty seconds, a great hustle play by Tim Miller results in a Notre Dame slashing penalty so we're back to a four-on-four for the next 1:20 or so and then Michigan will get about :30 seconds on the power-play. Miller chased the puck all the way down into the Fighting Irish zone and then beat the Notre Dame defensemen to the puck as Jordan Pearce decided to play it to his left instead of covering it up. Despite losing his stick, Miller stayed with the puck, pinning it against the boards with his skates and eventually drawing the slash.

Michigan is winning the faceoffs today as you can certainly see the change in momentum. Michigan is now the more aggressive team with most of the action occuring down in the Notre Dame zone. Bryan Hogan has held up his end in net as he came on to replace Billy Sauer after the first period. More credit should go to the Wolverine defense as after a poor first period they seem to have stepped up protecting the freshman goalie as they have kept Notre Dame from getting any good attempts on Hogan.

10:00 Second Period
GOAL! Michigan is on the board as Chad Kolarik scores his 29th goal of the season off the Kevin Porter assist and before the PA announcer here as the Pepsi Center could even finish announcing the goal, the Wolverines stike again as Matt Rust pokes one in with assists going to Aaron Palushaj. Michigan's right back in this one as the Notre Dame lead has been cut to 3-2 with two Michigan goals just :15 seconds apart! The Michigan crowd is back in it as well as the Wolverines have all the momentum.

Some chippiness here as Scooter Vaughen threw his man to the ice after a whistle but no penalty called. Michigan can't loose their heads as going shorthanded is no way to start a comeback.

Yet another missed opportunity for Michigan as Porter and Pacioretty got out ahead of a ND line change but Kolarik's pass missed it's mark.

14:42 Second Period
Michigan looking much more aggressive here as they realize that their season depends on it. Lots of looks, but still no goals for Mihchigan as it's 3-0 Irish.

Bryan Hogan tested early but is able to turn away a nice drag play from the Irish. Ben Winnet had a great chance of a rebound but missed just wide. You have to wonder what's going through the mind of Billy Sauer as after an outstanding weekend in regional play against Clarkson and Niagara he allowed three first-period goals to Notre Dame and finds himself on the bench in what could be the last game of the Wolverines' season.

1st Period Intermission
Michigan got a chance with a one man advantage as Brock Sheahan took an interference penalty with 2:27 to go in the period. Notre Dame showed why they had the second best penalty kill in the nation as the Irish easily killed off the penalty and then added a short-handed goal to boot. 3-0 Notre Dame as Thang got in on the act scoring unassisted with :34 seconds left in ther period. Michigan's in trouble as for some reason, Sauer can't stand up to playing in the city of Denver.

While the defense hasn't played well either, all three goals were certainly saveable. Michigan's got a tall task ahead of them if they plan on advancing as they'll need four goals against Jordan Pearce who is one of the best goaltenders in the country.

I guess it doesn't matter that the internet isn't strong enough for highlights as there sure haven't been any for the Wolverines.

As we get set to start the second period, Red Berenson has elected to pull Billy Sauer in favor of freshman Bryan Hogan. Wow.

3:44 First Period
Naurato had an open net as Jordan Pearce found himself out of position but could not get a stick on the puck. There have been some opportunites for Michigan in this period but they haven't been able to convert. Notre Dame is definitely the more physical team, not a style Michigan wants to play against trailing 2-0.

Notre Dame playing with a lot more intensity here in the first period as they are beating the Wolverines to all the loose pucks. You have to wonder if Michigan might have been looking past the Fighting Irish a little bit as many of the fans were. This is my last post of the first period, so more to come at the intermission.

8:08 First Period
Mitera is back on the ice for this penalty kill. Nice save by Sauer as he turns away the Irish attempt to poke one past. Michigan is taking a more aggressive approach to this kill as Hagelin got in on net shorthanded but couldn't get a good shot off. Michigan now back at full strength

Louie Caporusso tagged with a hooking penalty so Michigan is back on the penalty kill with 10:21 to play. Not the start Michigan wanted to get off to and as we saw out of the earlier game, Michigan's got to get something going soon or they're in trouble. You have to wonder if Michigan came in a little overconfident having beaten the Irish twice already this season.

Notre Dame on the power play as Winnet takes an obstruction/hooking minor at the 6:52 mark. Sauer needs to get something going as he has not looked good at all in this first period. Michigan cannot afford to go down 3-0 as Notre Dame is known for their strong defense. Good job killing off the penalty as Sauer had to come up with a few big saves to keep this game at 2-0. Winnet back on the ice as we're 5-5 again.

13:20 First Period

Early scoring opportunity for the Wolverines as Hagelin's shot went just over the net :43 seconds in.

Michigan appears to have traveled fairly well as the Wolverine cheering section occupies two of the corner sections in the Pepsi Center. What they lack in qauntity they make up for in quality as they have been loud during the games opening minutes belting out Hail to the Victors every chance they get.

Another oportunity for Michigan as Hagelin came in strong with Turnball, but the centering pass went a bit wide. Our internet has been pretty shaky so as of now, highlights aren't happening.

Bad news for Michigan as Mark Mitera appears to limp off the ice. More on this as we figure out what happened.

And with that, even more bad news for Michigan as Notre Dame has jumped out to an 1-0 lead behind a Calle Ridderwall goal. Assit to Justin White.

Just as I was about to hit the publish button, Notre Dame scores again. 2-0 Fighting Irish as this one will be credited to Mark Van Guilder with the assist from Ryan Thang. It should be noted that earlier this year when Michigan beat Notre Dame at Yost, they also came back from a 2-0 first period deficit.

We're here live from the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado as the second NCAA semifinal is a few
minutes away. We'll be complying with NCAA blogging policy so count on three posts per period. Listen to our broadcast live on the stream

Michigan Baseball Sunday Doubleheader vs. Iowa

The second day of the Big Ten schedule for the Michigan Wolverines features another doubleheader, as the Iowa Hawkeyes look to avoid a sweep after losing two to Michigan at the Fish yesterday. You can listen to the WCBN crew LIVE on MGoBlue.com. Continue to check here for updates on the game and live in-game highlights.

Mike Wilson starts for the Wolverines today against Nick Erdman.

A Nate Recknagel single down the left-field line has plated Kevin Cislo and given Michigan their first run. They now lead 2-0 after a 6-4-3 DP off the bat of Zach Putnam scored Derek VanBuskirk. Click HERE to hear Stu Zaas' call of the Recknagel RBI single.

Michigan now leads 5-0, with VanBuskirk singling in Chris Berset and Recknagel doubling in Leif Mahler and Kevin Cislo.

Web Gem nominee here from Ray Fisher Stadium courtesy of SS Leif Mahler as he flashes the leather turning the 6-3 double play.

We apologize for the lack of live blogging, but we only have Mike and I in the booth, so we're relegated to the broadcast. Michigan won the first game of this doubleheader 6-3, and we are about 5 minutes away from game time of game two. Go Blue! Listen to the audio recap of the game by clicking HERE.

Michigan and Iowa are tied 2-2 in game #2 of this Sunday doubleheader against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Travis Smith, the freshman starter, gave up 2 runs in the 1st but has settled down since. Alan Oaks drove a 3-2 pitch over the right-field wall to tie the game off of Tony Manville in the bottom of the 4th, and we now head to the 6th after a rain delay tied at twos.

Michigan wins! Nate Recknagel singled in Leif Mahler to give Michigan a 3-2 lead in the 7th and Ben Jenzen made it stand, providing three innings in relief of Travis Smith, with Jenzen picking up the win. Go Blue!

Michigan Takes on Iowa in Michigan's Big 10 Baseball Opener

Listen to the Michigan baseball doubleheader against the Iowa Hawkeyes with the WCBN crew LIVE on MGoBlue.com.

Zach Putnam is on today as he has tied a career-high by striking out 10 Hawkeyes through five innings of work. Here are a few of the strikeouts

Strikeout #6
Strikeout #7
Strikeout #9

And Putnam's career day continues from the plate as he just parked one onto the softball field, giving Michigan a 3-0 lead. Adam Abraham followed hitting the next pitch off the "Brick" Monster out in left field for a double.

Putnam's Solo Homer
Abraham's Double
Strikeout #11 (sets career high)

Putnam lost the no-no on a 7th inning single by Justin Toole, and after three unearned runs crossed the plate in that 7th inning, Michigan found themselves in a brand new ball game.
Michael Jacobs' day is done, after going 7.1 IP, giving up 3 runs (2 earned), 7 hits, 2 Ks, and zero walks on the day. Jacobs is responsible for Nate Recknagel, who singled with one out in the bottom of the 8th. Putnam is now up with Andrew Porter pitching for Iowa -- 1 on, 1 out, 3-3 ballgame.

8th inning

Zach Putnam's fantastic day on the mound is over as he is replaced by Tyler Burgoon here in the top of the 9th inning. Here is the line for Putnam:

8 IP 3 H 3 R 0 ER 0 BB 12 K

Michigan was unable to push across a run in the 8th after a 1 out single from Nate Recknagel. Kenny Fellows came in to run for Recknagel and has stayed in the game as a defensive replacement, with Derek VanBuskirk moving over to 1st base.

9th inning

Tyler Burgoon continues the dominance of this Iowa Hawkeye lineup as he sets them down 1-2-3 with a called third strike to end the inning.

In the bottom half Jeremy predicted another game-winning home run from Alan Oaks (see Vanderbilt in last year's NCAA Regional). Unfortunately Oaks came up about 15 feet short as he flew out to left. On another note, with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th inning Chris Berset has drawn the first walk of the game, and he has now advanced to second on a wild pitch before being replaced by Nick Urban as a pinch runner. After a seven pitch walk to Ryan LaMarre Kevin Cislo has beaten out an infield single, and Derek VanBuskirk will bat with the bases loaded and two outs. Unfortunately VanBuskirk popped out to second. Extra innings here we come.

10th inning

1-2-3 in the top half of the inning, as Iowa should be used to this by now, as they have been set down in order for the 9th time in 10 innings so far.

Kenny Fellows leads off the inning with a strikeout, however third-string catcher Kody McManis can't hold onto the pitch and Fellows reaches first safely before advancing to second on a wild pitch. Jeremy thinks Putnam should lay down a bunt here, but Zach has never laid down a bunt at Michigan and I think Jeremy is a little crazy, and I am vindicated as Putnam smashes a double off the Blue Monster to drive in the winning run, capping off a fantastic game for him as Michigan takes game 1 4-3 in 10 innings. Game 2 will start in about half an hour, and we will work on getting game 1 highlights up for you. GO BLUE!

Here's the highlight of Putnam's game-winning double.

The second game is underway -- click on the link at the top of this blog post to listen to Matt Boyer, Stu Zaas, Jeremy Kreisberg, and Michael Tobin call Chris Fetter's first home start of the season.

Iowa is up 1-0 in game 2 on a Hoef triple, followed by a Cataldo sacrifice fly. Fetter has settled down since, striking out three of the last five batters he faced, including this one on Matt Mossey.

Iowa now leads 3-0, as Chris Fetter balked in a run and Justin Toole hit a sacrifice fly to score two runs in the 3rd inning. Michigan looks to be going through the motions so far in this game, and, in a 7-inning contest, they'll have to turn it on soon if they hope to win the 2nd game of this double-dip.

Michigan has tied it up here in the bottom of the fifth so it's a case of de-ja-vu as we're tied 3-3 again.

WOW! Zach Putnam has given Michigan the 5-3 lead with a no-doubt home run onto Alumni Field. His monster day continues ashe now has two homers for the doubleheader.

Michigan wins 5-3 and sweeps the doubleheader on the first day of Big Ten action at the renovated Fisher Stadium! Go Blue!

Live Game Blog: Michigan Baseball vs IPFW

Recap
Michigan wins 4-2, with Kolby Wood getting the win and Tyler Burgoon picking up the save. Here are the highlights:

- Wilson K in the 1st
- VanBuskirk's tie-breaking single
- Berset's insurance run
- Final Out

And the final piece of good news--there is actually a tarp on the field, so maybe we will get some games in against Iowa this weekend. For Stu Zaas and Jeremy Kreisberg, good night and go Blue!

9th Inning
Surprise, surprise -- the new pitcher for the Wolverines is freshman Tyler Burgoon, although I'm sure Abraham will be ready in case there are any issues. Jared Davis finally shows us why he's on the Wallace Watch List, as he doubles over the head of Alan Oaks. Oaks seemed to be playing in and got turned around twice before the ball hit the wall, so IPFW has 1 on and 1 out. Rob Salaman has just noted that Kolby Wood is in line for the win for Michigan in his collegiate debut. A fly ball has moved Michigan one out away from the win. Check out the rest of the blog for some highlights, as they have begun to be uploaded. Michigan wins! Burgoon gets the strikeout of Aaron Kerns looking to end it! 4-2 final here at the Fish... I'll be back in just a few moments with highlights and a recap.

8th Inning
Kolby Wood makes his collegiate debut in a 2-2 game, and gets the first batter on a liner right back at him. Wood has looked very impressive, firing a fastball in the strike zone and attacking the hitters thus far. The 3-2 pitch to Quentin Brown is on the outside corner, strike three called! Great pitch by Wood to beat Brown in an 8-pitch at-bat. Wood has been using a nice slider to get ahead in the count, and he has now run the count to 0-2 on Mark Carden. Kolby Wood gets Carden swinging! Great pitching by Kolby Wood, and we head to the bottom of the 8th, still tied at 2-2. We've now switched computer, so live highlights should be available from this point of the game on. After Walker retired VanBuskirk, Abraham hit the ball past the diving attempt of the SS Carden. On a pick-off attempt, Abraham may have jammed his finger or wrist, and we'll have to watch Abraham to ensure his health. Abraham shows that he is healthy, as he steals 2nd base. VanBuskirk lines the ball into LF and Abraham is SAFE at home! Michigan leads 3-2! Listen to Stu Zaas and Michael Tobin HERE, as they had the call. VanBuskirk moved to 2nd on the throw home. Alan Oaks grounded out, with VanBuskirk holding on at 2nd, so Michigan has a runner on at 2nd with 2 outs. Berset has given Michigan a VERY valuable insurance run, as he lined a single up the middle, scoring VanBuskirk and giving Michigan a 4-2 lead. Listen to Stu and Mike HERE calling Berset's RBI single. Abraham is warming up in the bullpen, and we expect him to come on to try and get the save in this two-run game, unless Michigan can tack on a couple more. LaMarre strikes out swinging, but not before Michigan scored 2 runs to take a 4-2 lead.

7th Inning
Michael Powers will stay on to pitch in the top of the 7th inning! He's the first Michigan pitcher to stay on past his first inning of work. VanDriessche leads off the inning with a single. The 4th sacrifice bunt of the game for IPFW moves VanDriesche over to 2nd base with 1 out. Michael Powers fields the roller from Segraves and fires over to 3rd to nail VanDriessche. Great play by Powers! 2 outs, 1 on now in the top of the 7th with Jimmy Gilliland up at bat. The 1-2 pitch is handled by VanBuskirk in LF, and we go to the bottom of the 7th tied at twos. Ryan LaMarre hammers the first pitch of the inning into the left-centerfield gap! Stand-up double for Ryan LaMarre! Cislo is now up, facing a right-hander for the first time in this game. Cislo bunts LaMarre over to 3rd, with Taylor making a nice play to gun down Cislo at 1st. Mahler hit the ball to 3rd, but Gilliland fielded the ball easily and fired home, getting LaMarre in a run-down before LaMarre was tagged out by Taylor, the IPFW catcher... very disappointing turn in this inning for the Wolverines, as the game remains deadlocked at ones with a runner on a 1st base and 2 outs. Recknagel grounded the ball to short, where Carden got the force out at 2nd base, so we move to the top of the 8th tied at 2-2.

6th Inning
Mike Powers now in to work for Michigan, the sixth pitcher to work today for the Maize and Blue. We'll see if he can record the first 1-2-3 inning of the day as IPFW has had somebody reach base in each inning so far. Powers strikes out the first two Mastodons...could this be the inning? And it is! Comebacker to the mound is handled by Powers so on to the bottom of the inning, still tied at 2. Freshman right-hander Samuel Walker is now on to pitch for IPFW. Ryan VanDriesche went the first five innings, giving up two runs on six hits, walking two and striking out three. Adam Abraham leads things off for Michigan as they look to break this tie. Two up, two down to start the inning for Michigan as Mr. Double, Alan Oakes comes up to bat. Oakes doesn't disappoint delivering a single back up the middle. Nothing comes of it though as we go to the 7th still tied 2-2.

5th Inning
For the 5th consecutive inning, IPFW has a runner aboard as Ben Jensen, the new Wolverine pitcher hits Aaron Kerns to lead off the inning. Sacrifice complete for IPFW so they have a runner on 2nd, one out in this tie game. Jensen able to get out of it, so we head to the bottom of the fifth still tied 2-2. After falling behind 3-0, VanDriesche battles back to strike out Mahler, his third K of the game. Michigan goes down 1-2-3 so after five innings, we're tied 2-2.

4th Inning
Jeff DeCarlo, the southpaw from Medford, Mass. is the 4th pitcher for the Wolverines. DeCarlo got Scott Macinski to ground out to 3rd baseman Adam Abraham to begin the top of the inning. DeCarlo then walked Quentin Brown on seven pitches. Brown broke on a number of pitches, with DeCarlo playing cat-and-mouse with Brown on numerous pick-off attempts, but Brown would ultimately move to 2nd base on a single by Mark Carden into center-field. Bob Keller has now gone out to talk to DeCarlo with 2 on and 1 out. Devin Taylor takes a 2-1 pitch to left for his third hit of the game, as Quentin Brown comes in to score, giving IPFW a 2-1 lead. DeCarlo got Jared Davis looking for the 2nd out, so IPFW now has a runners on at 1st and 2nd with 2 outs. A wild pitch moves the runners up, with 2 runners now moving into scoring position. Mahler just scooped up a groundball and fired on to 1st to end the top of the 4st, but not before IPFW grabbed a 2-1 lead. In the bottom of the inning, VanBuskirk popped up to lead off the inning, but Alan Oaks doubled into right-center. After Berset flew out to CF, Ryan Lamarre delivered the RBI single on a ground ball up the middle, tying the game at two-a-piece. After a passed ball moved LaMarre to 3rd base, Cislo walked on 4 pitches. Leif Mahler is now up with runners on at 1st and 3rd. VanDreissche got Cislo in a pickle which ended up with Lamarre being gunned down trying to score from third.

3rd Inning
Travis Smith is the new pitcher for the Wolverines to start out the top of the third with the score tied 1-1. Devin Taylor leads things off with a single to right for IPFW but Smith is able to work out of the jam as the score remains 1-1 as Michigan comes to bat. Recknagel rips a single to left and then shows some rare speed as he swipes his first base of the season. Good opportunity here for Michigan to break the tie with a man on 2nd, one out. Putnam and Abraham were then retired so we head to the fourth, still tied 1-1

2nd Inning
New Pitcher for Michigan is Chris Fetter as Rich Maloney told us before the game that he plans to use many different pitchers today in order to keep arms fresh. Fetter is off to a rough start as the first batter, Kerns reached via a Nate Recknagel error then came around to score on a bunt single by Micinski. 1-0 IPFW leads midway through the second. Now to the bottom of the first...VanBuskirk starts things off with a bloop single to center and Alan Oakes follows with a double off the right field wall on the next pitch. Promising start to the inning as Michigan has runners on 2nd and 3rd with nobody out and Chris Berset at the plate. Chris Berset wastes no time lining the first pitch to right, deep enough for VanBuskirk to tag and score to tie up the game 1-1.

1st Inning
Wilson gave up a hit in the top half of the inning, but rallies to strike out the next two Mastodons to get out of the first unscathed. In Michigan's half, Leif Mahler was able to draw a walk and advanced to second on a nice piece of hitting by DH Zach Putnam who took a breaking ball over the outside corner the other way for a basehit. Michigan was unable to put a run on the board though as Abraham ended the threat by popping out to first

Pregame
For the first time in the last three attempts, Michigan will actually get to play a game today. Mike Wilson will be on the hill for the Wolverines while Ryan VanDriessche will get the ball for IPFW. Jeremy and I will be here live blogging the game, complete with all the highlights as they happen. You can also listen to our call online via MGOBLUE. First pitch will be at 5:05

CCHA Semifinals: Michigan vs. Northern Michigan

Michigan wins 6-4! Here's Tony Bolton and Christian Montgomery calling the empty netter for the final highlight of the night. You can hear all of the highlights that the internet at the Joe would permit at the WCBN Sports Podcast. We're packing up, so no recap for now. Wish us luck driving home from the Joe. Good night and go Blue!

-- 10:57 --

EMPTY NET GOAL!!! Michigan will win the game 6-4, as Ben Winnett puts the capper on a huge, tough-fought win for the Wolverines over NMU. I'm working on a goal highlight and a recap, but we may have to leave, so I can't promise one now, but you can rest easy for one more night, as Michigan survives a crazy game at the Joe and will play Miami tomorrow night in the CCHA Finals.

-- 10:53 --

Michigan went offside with 1:15 remaining. Northern had held the puck in Michigan's zone for about 30 seconds, but Stewart stayed in the net. Now, with a minute remaining and Northern in control of the puck, Stewart has gone to the bench.

-- 10:49 --

By the way, yet again, the internet failed me as it is just not fast enough for streaming audio, so there will be no highlight of the 5th Michigan goal. Billy Sauer does not look good, so this game is far from over, but 1:54 remains, as there will now be a face off in front of Stewart. Look for Stewart to come to the Northern bench soon.

-- 10:47 --

GOAL!!! Kolarik shoots the puck from the near-side circle and AGAIN the puck bounces off a Northern defenseman. They're giving the goal to Tim Miller (his second of the game as of now) and the assist goes to Kolarik. Welcome back to the top line, Tim Miller, who seems to enjoy playing in place of Pacioretty. 5-4 Wolverines.

-- 10:44 --

What a crazy game. We've been going end-to-end with scoring opportunities, as Caporusso couldn't convert against Stewart, and then Sauer left a fat rebound out in front, but covered up on the subsequent shot. 4:20 remaining, still tied at 4.

-- 10:42 --

The goaltending in this game warrants a serious conversation. Michigan has been shooting at Stewart, who is big and positions himself well but is by no means mobile, while Sauer has ignored positional fundamentals, playing one of his most sporadic games of the year. 5:51 remaining in the 3rd with the game tied at 4.

-- 10:39 --

Stewart has stood on his head, almost single-handedly killing off the Michigan power play. Michigan led 4-3 with seven a half to go, but NMU has tied up the game yet again on a goal by Jared Brown from Matt Siddall. The internet was too slow to stream the NMU goal, but you can go back to the good times and listen to Tony and Christian's call of Michigan's 4th goal by clicking HERE.

-- 10:34 --

Mark Olver continues the trend of dirty play by NMU, as he stuck out his leg to try and trip Kevin Porter by the knees -- he'll go to the box, and we'll play at four-on-four for a 1:12 before Michigan goes on the PP.

-- 10:30 --

After an NMU defenseman covered the puck in his defensive zone, Turnbull hit at the puck but got called for a hit from behind... "c'mon Shegos," says Andrew Seid, and I agree -- that's a weak call. We'll be playing at four-on-four before NMU goes on the power play.

-- 10:28 --

Tonight's attendance has been announced at 9,471... I'll give the fans a pass given the horrendous weather, even though the Joe can fit about 21,000 people. Gregor Hanson just took a slashing penalty, so Michigan now goes on the PP.

-- 10:25 --

GOAL!!! Mark Mitera took the shot from inside the blue line, and it looked like it deflected off of both NMU defenseman Blake Cosgrove and Michigan forward Travis Turnbull before it beat Stewart. Turnbull scores from Mitera and Kampfer and now Michigan leads 4-3. Goal highlight to come....

-- 10:21 --

Billy looked a little shaky on the last Northern rush, but Nick Sirota took a penalty in the NMU offensive zone on the fore-check, so with 15:01 remaining, Michigan has a PP.

-- 10:18 --

Michigan is getting beaten to nearly every puck, but Sauer has stood tall so far in the 3rd. They've announced that Chad Langlais picked up an assist on the Miller goal, which you can listen to by clicking HERE (it's Tony and Christian Montgomery now).

-- 10:16 --

Game on! 16:37 remaining, as Sauer covers up after a flurry of NMU shots.

-- 10:14 --

We have a stoppage in play because of a large crack in the boards. You can't make this stuff up. 3-3 Michigan with 18:49 left in the 3rd.

-- 10:10 --

GOAL!!! MICHIGAN TIES THE GAME!!! It is now 3-3, as Tim Miller passed the puck in net and it bounced off the skate of T.J. Miller into the net, as Stewart was moving from post-to-post and had no chance. Goal highlight to come....

-- 10:08 --

Michigan has killed off the final few moments of the power play, and so we are now skating at full strength.

-- 10:05 --

NMU's 3rd goal highlight from Tony and Andrew can be accessed by clicking HERE. I'm glad that didn't take 2 hours... you can visit the WCBN Sports Podcast to listen to all of the goal highlights from the CCHA Tournament, as well as WCBN Sports podcast shows.

-- 10:02 --

As I've said, the internet here is really slow, and it fades in and out, so while I was able to upload the first two highlights in a matter of seconds, it now tells me that the 3rd highlight will take 2 hours, so we'll see if we can get that up sooner rather than later. We are now in the 2nd intermission, and there's not much we can say at this point. Michigan leads NMU in shots 27-8, yet Northern has beaten Sauer three times, including twice in the final five minutes or so of the 2nd period. It's not as though Michigan is playing badly, even defensively, but NMU has converted on seemingly every major scoring opportunity they've had, and Brian Stewart has been up to the task against the firepower that Michigan brings on offense. The real problem is that Michigan's defensive blunders have been far more glaring than Northern's. It is inexplicable that Mark Mitera would decide to pinch on a power play opportunity when NMU has two men coming the other way through the neutral zone. The 3rd goal was simply a great wrister, but conservative play by Scooter Vaughan and Mark Mitera could've enabled Michigan to avoid giving up the first two. Added to that, you've got the officiating of Shegos and the large Northern contingent in the crowd, and the feeling here is not positive from a Michigan standpoint. I'm nervous, to be honest. 5 minutes left in the 2nd intermission -- lets hope that the Wolverines can figure out a way to beat Stewart by then.

-- 9:59 --

Here come the bad highlights. Check out Tony and Andrew's call of NMU's 2nd goal, which tied the game at two-a-piece by clicking HERE.

-- 9:49 --

If you'd like to go back to when things were going well, check out Tony Bolton and Andrew Seid's call of Michigan's 2nd goal by clicking HERE.

-- 9:46 --

Michigan has taken a penalty, as Chris Summers retaliates after being slashed with a trip -- it is 3-2 NMU, who will end the 2nd period on the power play.

-- 9:45 --

NMU now has the lead at 3-2. They have now scored on half of their shots, as a wrister from the near-side circle by Matt Siddall beats Billy Sauer.

-- 9:43 --

Tie game, 2-2. Kevin Porter got tackled amidst an odd-man rush for NMU, and when the puck bounced out in front of the net, Billy Sauer missed on a poke-check giving Mark Olver an open spot in Sauer's five-hole, and he was not to be denied. This is very disappointing, considering Michigan leads in shots 25-5, yet NMU has converted on two of those five shots.

-- 9:41 --

NMU has taken a bench minor for too many men with under 7 minutes remaining in the 2nd period. NMU just had a short-handed opportunity after a blunder by Mark Mitera, but Billy Sauer held strong and Michigan still holds their 2-1 lead, as they go to work on the PP.

-- 9:36 --

GOAL!!! Travis Turnbull takes the feed from Louie Caporusso and slides the puck past Stewart to give Michigan a 2-1 lead. Considering how well NMU has been playing this period, this was a HUGE goal to give Michigan a lead at the midway point of the game. T.J. Miller then took a penalty for tripping while Michigan got a bench minor, being served by Brandon Naurato, for too many men on the ice. A goal highlight is to come.

-- 9:33 --

Michigan has killed off the penalty with the help of a Tristin Llewellyn blocked shot. Llewellyn limped off the ice, so we'll have to watch to see if his injury is serious. On a positive note, Chris Summers has been playing well since being hit into the boards head-first in the 1st period.

-- 9:26 --

The puck just rolled through the crease past a sprawling Billy Sauer, and on a subsequent slap shot the puck bounced off the glass and back into the crease, but Sauer covered up.

-- 9:23 --

Matt Rust has taken a penalty with a little over 14 minutes remaining. Tony and Andrew are perplexed at the call, and rightly so, as it looked like Rust barely tapped the pad of goalie Brian Stewart.

-- 9:22 --

Michigan is having a tough time gaining the zone against NMU, and now that they finally have, the power play is about to expire with Michigan still passing the puck around the perimeter. Brian Stewart has covered up, and the power play rush is over.

-- 9:20 --

With 16:58 remaining in the 2nd, NMU's Alan Dorich takes a penalty for tripping. Michigan will be on the power play.

-- 9:18 --


Tune in to hear Tony Bolton and Andrew Seid LIVE at the Joe for the 2nd period now that our technical difficulties are somewhat over.

-- 9:12 --

That's the end of the first period, with the score tied at 1 a piece. The Wolverines ended the period with some extended pressure in the NMU zone but not many scoring chances as NMU does a great job blocking any movement in the slots for the Wolverines. Shots in that period were 12-2 in favor of the Wolverines.

--8:58--

With 4:55 remaining in the 1st period, NMU is on the board with a goal from Matt Butcher, his 8th of the season. Assisting on the goal were Gregor Hanson and Ray Kaunisto. Just 29 seconds later, Billy Smith is hit with a game misconduct and 5 minute major for checking from behind. The Wolverines are now on the power play for the rest of the period.

--8:49--

With 8:16 remaining, Billy Sauer just made a nice glove save on a slap shot from the far-side circle. It's great to see Billy on top of his game early on, especially given how easy it can be for a goalie to fall asleep in a game where the first shot on goal against him comes with under 9 minutes remaining in the 1st. The shot total thus far is 8-1 in favor of the Wolverines.

-- 8:42 --

By the way, the internet here is painfully slow. Since I finished writing that delayed post, Northern took a penalty and killed it off, so we still sit at 1-0 with under 10 minutes remaining in the 1st.

-- 8:37 --


GOAL!!! Chad Kolarik scores his 4th goal since coming back from the groin injury to give Michigan a 1-0 lead with a little over 12:30 remaining inthe 1st. Kolarik swept around the net and slipped the puck past Stewart before he could move from post to post. Tim Miller and Tristin Llewellyn picked up assists on the goal. I can't emphasize enough how important it is for Michigan to pour it on early against a tough Northern team. You don't want to let these guys hang around, because regardless of how much talent Michigan has when compared to Northern, anything can happen in a close game, as evidenced by Michigan's two ties at Yost against Northern earlier this year.

-- 8:36 --

Well, we're finally here and set up at the Joe. The new technology we're trying to use for the broadcast is failing us thus far, but we're still working on getting a live broadcast up and running for you, and, if we do, the live game blog will feature goal highlights during the game. As of right now, we are a little over four minutes in and Northern is skating pretty well. Michigan had two quality scoring chances, but starting goalie Brian Stewart turned Michigan aside both times. On another somber note, NMU is better represented in the crowd, and that is very disappointing.

Finally, on a positive note, both Matt Rust and Scooter Vaughan are in the lineup for the Wolverines, with Tim Miller moving up to the top line in place of suspended Max Pacioretty. Go Blue!

--8:28 --