Michigan Hockey postseason hopes on life support after being swept by Penn State in Big Ten Tournament

Michigan dropped its second straight game to Penn State with a 5-2 loss at Yost on Saturday night, leaving its NCAA Tournament hopes on life support:

In what could prove to be a bitter end to a disappointing season, the Michigan hockey team lost its Big Ten Tournament series on Saturday night. The Wolverines turned in a second consecutive lackluster defensive night, falling to Penn State by a 5-2 final score.

For as bad as the game turned out to be, Michigan actually got off to a hot start in the game. The Wolverines got on the scoreboard just over a minute into the game, with Nick Moldenhauer finding the back of the net after picking off a Penn State outlet pass. The momentum was quickly halted, though, as Penn State’s Nicholas DeGraves would score his own goal 15 seconds later.

With the game still tied at one late in the opening period, Philippe Lapointe was assessed an interference penalty. Penn State was able to take advantage of its power play chance, making it 2-1 just before the break.

Penn State got to Logan Stein for 16 shots on goal in the first period, and the heat stayed on at the start of the second. The Nittany Lion attack was finally able to break through again midway through the second, with Carson Dyck scoring to make it a 3-1 game.

Penn State was assessed a tripping penalty shortly thereafter, providing Michigan with a much needed power play chance to help shift the momentum. Michigan’s William Whitelaw scored on a cross-ice feed from T.J. Hughes to help cut the deficit to 3-2. But Penn State responded in the final minutes of the period, making it 4-2 heading into the second intermission.

With its tournament hopes on the line, Michigan was going to need a big third period. Michigan was presented with a power play chance just five minutes into the frame, but was unable to convert on its opportunity. Penn State continued to hold strong on the defensive end, holding its two-goal lead late into the period. A late Ethan Edwards slashing penalty resulted in a penalty shot for Charlie Cerrato, who capitalized to make it 5-2 late.

Michigan didn’t have any answers after that, ultimately spelling its doom in this one. It was a fitting end to what’s been a roller coaster of a year. Michigan’s NCAA Tournament hopes are bleak thanks to its lackluster showing this weekend.