Wolverines fall to Terriers, 3-2, to split weekend series

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan hockey team fell to No. 9 Boston University, 3-2, on Sunday night to split a weekend series between top-10 foes at Yost Ice Arena.

The Terriers scored all three goals in the second period — the final two on the power play — to earn the victory. BU goaltender Vinny Duplessis stopped all 12 UM shots in the third period to seal the result.

The Wolverines got on the board in the first period on the stick of Hughes — both Hughes. Luke fed TJ, whose wrister from the face-off circle found its way under Duplessis. It was a shot that the junior probably should have saved, but those count all the same.

Although Michigan led, it was an even game — in fact, BU probably had the upper hand when both teams were at full strength. And that began to show in the second period, which was won decisively by the Terriers.

BU’s Cade Webber poked home a goal from the crease to tie it at 1-1; a Domenick Fensore shot from the blue line went through several bodies, and it appeared Erick Portillo didn’t see it; and Michigan over-committed with a Puck in the corner, leaving Matt Brown alone for a finish.

About the only positive for the Wolverines in the second period was Dylan Duke’s power-play goal at 10:27, which let them stay within one at the final intermission. Duke finished a nice sequence where Adam Fantilli fed TJ Hughes; the center’s shot was saved, but Duke cleaned up the rebound.

Otherwise, the middle period was marred by penalties — eight in all, across both teams — and a late, knee-to-knee hit that briefly knocked out Michigan right-winger Rutger McGroarty. The Winnipeg Jets’ first-round NHL Draft pick put a little weight on his left leg as he was assisted off the ice, but he returned to the ice in the third period.

The penalties and the play on McGroarty led to a physical, emotional third. Duplessis made several pad saves to stonewall UM shots as the minutes ticked away. The BU netminder had an especially impressive shoulder stop to deny the Wolverines with five minutes left during a sequence of sustained pressure.

The Wolverines pulled Portillo with two minutes to play but couldn’t find the equalizer. The scoreless third period resulted in U-M’s first loss of the season.

Three stars: BU’s Domenick Fensore, TJ Hughes, BU’s Matt Brown

Michigan 2, BU 3: What it means

After Friday’s blowout, Brandon Naurato predicted a closer game on Sunday, and he was correct. BU led in shots throughout and had stretches, particularly late in the second period, where it controlled possession in the attacking zone.

The Terriers are a good team — picked to finish second in Hockey East — and returned 21 players, including eight of nine top scorers from a season ago. Michigan is significantly younger, and series like this weekend’s will help prepare it for what it’ll face come Big Ten season and beyond.

A split against a very good BU team is nothing to be ashamed of. UM didn’t play its best hockey on Sunday, particularly in the second period, but it very well could have scored in the third period. Expectations remain high for the season.

Michigan hockey: What comes next

Michigan hockey travels to Sault Ste. Marie for a two game series against Lake Superior State next weekend (Friday & Saturday). The Lakers are 0-1-1 on the young season, having lost and tied to Nebraska-Omaha at home. They went 1-2 across three exhibition games, including a pair of 5-2 losses to Michigan Tech and the US National Team Development Program.

The Wolverines return to Ann Arbor to face Western Michigan on Friday, Oct. 28.

Story photo: James Coller/MGoBlog