Michigan hockey season ends with Frozen Four loss to Denver

Michigan got off to a slow start in Boston, failing to notch even a shot on goal through the game’s first 16 minutes in a Frozen Four semifinal game with Denver. The Pioneers took the fight to U-M, and while U-M responded, Denver would score in overtime to win 3-2 and advance to Saturday night’s championship game.

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The Wolverines were stumped early by Denver’s neutral zone defense. They got their first scoring chance with 11 minutes remaining when Matthew Samoskevich cut in on goal, but goaltender Magnus Chrona’s poke check erased the opportunity. 

The Pioneers remained the more aggressive team, and it finally paid off. Brett Stapley picked up a Justin Lee rebound and put it behind goalie Erik Portillo at 8:38 after Michigan failed to clear the zone.

It was one of seven Denver shots in the first period, and it was big. The Pioneers were 21-1 this year coming into the game when scoring first. 

The Wolverines, meanwhile, wouldn’t notch their first shot on goal until defenseman Nick Blankenburg’s shot 16 minutes in. 

U-M picked it up a bit in the last five minutes of the first period, but they couldn’t score. Denver “owned the middle of the ice” in coach David Carle’s words, not allowing Michigan to generate any speed through the neutral zone.

“They like to make plays through people,” Carle told ESPN2 — and his team wasn’t going to allow it if they could help it. 

They were 15-0-1 after the first period, and they had the momentum. 

Second Period: Michigan picks it up

Michigan started winning more battles early and got its first shot on goal of the period 30 seconds in. Johnny Beecher had a great scoring opportunity two minutes in, but Chrona stoned him in front. 

U-M finally got the equalizer when Jimmy Lambert picked up the puck in front after a U-M rush and scored behind Chrona. The nerves seemed to disappear, and Michigan seemed to find its confidence.

The Wolverines were flying and had a number of scoring chances in the first 10 minutes of the period. The Pioneers only managed one shot on goal in the first 10 minutes of the second. Michigan had four chances to Denver’s zero. 

Both teams had good opportunities over the next several minutes, but neither team could score. Portillo stopped several opportunities when Denver regained the momentum. 

The Pioneers got the first power play opportunity of the game at 6:10 when Nolan Moyle picked up a holding penalty while forechecking in the Denver zone. Portillo was up to the task, including a point-blank stop on Stapley, and Michigan killed it off. 

Shots were 9-5 Pioneer in the second period, though Michigan had at least as many good chances. 

Third Period: Denver scores, but Michigan answers

Michigan carried the play early in the period and had a couple of outstanding chances, but couldn’t finish in the first few minutes. The Pioneers owned the next three minutes, but Portillo made a couple saves on point blank shots to keep it even. 

Denver, though, finally took the lead on a deflected shot from the left post and behind Portillo with 14:24 remaining. 

Michigan was getting outshot 18-10 at that point. 

But U-M responded quickly. Thomas Bordeleau took advantage of a blocked shot and turned it into a goal on the other end. 

The Pioneers went back to the power play on a questionable boarding call shortly thereafter and posted several quality chances on five shots. Michigan killed it, though, and quickly went back on the attack.

But Denver just as quickly went back on the power play with 5:31 remaining after another sketchy call, this one for holding. Portillo made several more stops to keep the score 2-2, but the Pioneers carried the play the rest of the period.

Michigan had a tough time just clearing its zone in the last minute of play, but held the Pioneers off to take it to overtime.

Denver, though, had the momentum. The Pioneers outshot Michigan 10-5 in the third and 26-14 through three periods.

Overtime: No whistles and a bitter ending

Michigan generated pressure from the jump and carried the play, but couldn’t get the benefit of some calls that would have sent them to the power play. They were outshot 5-4 but had the better chances — they just couldn’t convert.

They appeared tired at 8:00, and Denver started to respond. Luke Hughes didn’t get enough on a breakaway opportunity, a golden chance to end it, and that would be U-M’s last good chance.

The end came at 14:53. The Wolverines turned it over in their own zone, and Carter Savoie scored the game winner behind Portillo to end the Michigan season.

The Wolverines were outshot 33-21. Arguably the nation’s top offensive team, the Wolverines didn’t draw a single penalty all night. Denver went 0-for-3 on the power play, but scored when it matters to end Michigan’s season.