Michigan rallies to 4-1 win over Minnesota State

Finding little success in the season opener against Minnesota State, the No. 7 Michigan hockey team needed a fresh start. All it took was a new lineup and a commanding first period to find the success the Wolverines so desperately craved. 

Once Michigan held the reins, it took the Mavericks for a ride. 

After a daunting Friday loss, the Wolverines (1-1) bounced back with a 4-1 win over Minnesota State (1-1). Supported by a promising first period, Michigan protected its ground with a demanding win. 

The unhurried pace from yesterday disappeared as Michigan asserted dominance in the first few minutes of the game. Junior forward Jackson Hallum took control from the neutral zone, flying down the right side with a 1-on-1 opportunity and shooting the puck top shelf for an early 1-0 lead. With just one goal, the Wolverines started anew. 

While the Mavericks struggled to clear, Michigan continued to find its chemistry among another night of new lines. With heavy pressure in the offensive zone, the Wolverines peppered shot after shot. Despite putting stress on Minnesota State goaltender Alex Tracy, Michigan struggled to find the back of the net again. 

Sophomore forward Evan Werner decided to take a turn of his own with clear ice in front of him. As he sped up the left side, Werner slung a quick shot landing just high off the pole. After one opportunity lost, the Wolverines pounded for another. 

And freshman forward Michael Hage looked to finish Werner’s job.

A minute later, in a replay fashion, Hage rallied down the empty ice on the left side. But this time, there was no question as Hage buried the shot top shelf. 

The second period was silent for both offensive fronts, but the Mavericks took their window to test freshman goaltender Cameron Korpi. In his collegiate debut, Korpi stood tall, adding 11 saves to his already dominant first period showing. With a lockdown performance from Korpi, Michigan attempted to convert on its power play opportunities, but it couldn’t produce any results. 

With a two goal cushion, the Wolverines searched for the cohesion they experienced early on. Instead, early in the third period, Minnesota State answered the call by putting its first goal on the board.

Michigan’s dominant beginning became its lifeline as the Mavericks continued to overwhelm the Wolverines’ defense. Yet, Minnesota State couldn’t crack through.

And with just under a minute left in the game, Michigan struck gold.

With an empty-net goal from junior forward Josh Eernisse, the Wolverines truly found their first period identity. Junior defenseman Tyler Duke launched his own empty-net goal, finalizing the game for Michigan.

The Wolverines found what they needed to do on Saturday — and for this new team, a win was possible after a strong start. 

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