Michigan takes both from OSU

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

Michigan rebounded nicely from their loss at Boston University last weekend to sweep Ohio State at home this weekend.

"It's a good weekend for us," Wolverines head coach Red Berenson said. "Every weekend is going to be hard-fought, but it's a good weekend for Michigan hockey."

Friday night, Louie Caporusso had a goal and two assists to lead No. 5 UM to a 4-3 win.

Tim Miller and Aaron Palushaj each added a goal and an assist and Brandon Naurato scored the other for the Wolverines.

Billy Sauer made 34 saves for the win in net.

"I think we took a lot more responsibility in our own end," Caporusso said about the third period. "I think the first two periods we were just chasing the puck and watching [Ohio State] make plays in our zone. But when we got the cycle going, that's when we were dominant. When we didn't box them out, that's when we got in trouble. But in the third period, we stayed committed to our defense."

Caporusso continued his offensive tear Saturday night with two power-play goals and an assist as Michigan topped the Buckeyes, 6-1.

"I thought we got off to a better start tonight," Berenson said. "I thought our team worked harder. We forechecked, we put more pressure on their defense and eventually got an important first goal. I thought we were more into the game, not that they weren't, but our start was better tonight, and we built on that. That was probably our best team effort of the season thus far, penalty killing, power play, goal keeping, defense, a little bit of everything."

Bryan Hogan kicked out 25 shots in goal and Palushaj, Miller, Travis Turnbull and David Wohlberg, with his first collegiate goal, also tallied for the Wolverines, who gained their first sweep of Ohio State since the 2003-2004 season.

Chad Langlais chipped in three assists and Brian Lebler a pair for UM. Greg Pateryn drew an assist on Palushaj's goal for his first NCAA point.

The Wolverines (6-2-0, 3-1-0 CCHA) will travel to the University of Alaska for a two-game series at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks this weekend. Both games start at 7:05 p.m. AST.