ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source)- Michigan Hockey Headed to a record 27th Frozen Four, no. 2 Michigan won in overtime, 2-1, over Big Ten foe no. 11 Penn State. Sophomore Mackie Samoskevich sniped the winning goal just 52 seconds into overtime sending the Wolverines to the Frozen Four and winning the Midwest Regional.
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After a scoreless first period, Penn State struck first in the second on a power play at 18:58. Just before the period ended, Connor MacEachern found the net for the 1-0 lead. It took over 50 minutes for Michigan to score in the game after collecting 11 goals in the first round game but Adam Fantilli tied the game at one on a power play at 12:08 in the third period. Rutger McGroarty and Samoskevich assisted on the tying goal.
Penn State came roaring back in the next two minutes with eight shots as goalie Erik Portillo had three of the saves as three were blocked. Both teams went hard in the final five minutes with each taking a shot in the final 15 seconds of the period being denied as overtime came on.
Just 34 seconds into overtime, Michigan took their first shot that was missed by Luke Hughes. Samoskevich answered 18 seconds later with 52 seconds on the clock with the sudden death goal for the victory.
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Portillo had 31 saves for his 60th win at Michigan. Michigan is now 26-11-3 and will face Quinnipiac on April 6 at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
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