First period scrap takes wind out of Michigan’s sails in 2-0 loss to Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS — Sometimes, all it takes is one tussle to flip a hockey game on its head.

In pure Michigan fashion, it came out ablaze, largely maintaining puck possession and dominating the shot battle. Though it didn’t pocket a goal, the Wolverines kept Minnesota on the backfoot for the early half of the first period.

And Saturday, that’s exactly what happened. After a physical skirmish after a puck was called dead, the No. 6 Michigan hockey team (10-5-1 overall, 4-2 Big Ten) fell flat against No. 4 Minnesota (15-2-1, 8-0). In the ensuing 45 minutes of play, the Wolverines were unable to get anything going as the Golden Gophers powered on to win, 2-0.

With about just over five minutes remaining in the first period, a scrap developed in front of the net after freshman goaltender Cameron Korpi corralled a loose puck. Skaters on both sides continued to push and shove, ultimately resulting in several near fights. With two skaters for Michigan sent to the box and one for the Gophers, the energy from fans inside 3M Arena ballooned.

Already on the power play from an earlier penalty by senior defenseman Ethan Edwards, Minnesota came out of the ruckus with a two-man advantage — and animated skaters to boot.

After Edwards returned to the ice, the invigorated Gophers turned it on while still on the power play. Maintaining offensive zone time for over two minutes, it was a matter of time before they discovered a crack in the Wolverines’ exhausted penalty kill. Minnesota defenseman Sam Rinzel found it, sending a puck through traffic and into freshman goaltender Cameron Korpi’s net.

Following the power play and subsequent goal, Michigan seemed to have no wind in its sails. Though Minnesota didn’t overwhelm Michigan over the next period and change, the Wolverines failed to get anything going. In fact, they mustered just six shots in the second period. 

Attempting to get back on its feet throughout the early third, Michigan failed to do so as it continually tripped over itself. After an early four-on-four that bore no fruit for either team, senior forward Mark Estapa committed a holding penalty that ticked off a precious two minutes for the Wolverines.

And just like the fight that prompted the Gophers’ energy, Michigan started another one moments after Minnesota forward Jimmy Snuggerud netted an empty-net goal to close out the game, 2-0. But it was too little, too late.

All because one tussle took the wind out of its sails.

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