Wolverines break even with Ohio State

By Matt Mackinder/Michigan Beat Writer

The Michigan Wolverines ventured to Columbus over the weekend hoping for a sweep of Ohio State, but instead came home with just two points after winning Friday night and getting skunked Saturday evening.

In UM's 4-1 win the first night, David Wohlberg scored 1:15 into the game and the Wolverines never looked back.

Louie Caporusso reached the 40-point mark for the season by notching his second straight three-assist game. Tim Miller had a goal and an assist, as did Wohlberg. Chad Langlais scored twice from the back end as well.

"I thought the first goal, obviously, was key to get a good start to the game, especially on the road against Ohio State," Langlais said. "I thought the power play moved around really well tonight. I think I got lucky (on his second goal). I think the guy right next to me fell down, so I just took a shot and it went through."

Bryan Hogan finished with 20 saves in the victory.

Saturday night was a different story as UM (24-10-0, 18-8-0-0 CCHA) blew a 2-0 lead and fell to the Buckeyes, 3-2, as OSU tallied the game-winner late in the third period.

"You don't come in here and just take the game away from [Ohio State]," Michigan head coach Red Berenson said. "They're a good hockey team. You look at their record on Saturdays, for example, and it's pretty darn good. You knew they would come back with a better game. We had to try and have a better game as well and I can't tell you we did that. But that's the way it is in this league; anyone can beat anyone."

Robbie Czarnik and Miller were the Wolverines' goal scorers and Langlais chipped in two assists. Hogan made 22 saves.

C.J. Severyn was credited with the go-ahead goal with 4:20 left in regulation. Zac Dalpe's slap shot squirted between Hogan's legs and stopped on the goal line. Severyn crashed the net and appeared to kick the puck over the goal line, but the officials confirmed the goal for OSU.

"I don't know about the goal that went in," said Berenson. "We had two goals that were called back for whatever reason. I didn't see the replays. The rule in college hockey is if you direct the puck in with your skate -- you don't have to kick it -- just direct it in, then it's no goal. It's a very sensitive issue around the league. We have to trust that these officials know that and they must have seen it. It must have been a good goal."

The Wolverines conclude their regular season next weekend with a home-and-home series against Ferris State. UM heads to Big Rapids for a 7:05 p.m. game on Friday night and then Saturday night is Senior Night at Yost for UM's six seniors (Billy Sauer, Brandon Naurato, Danny Fardig, Mark Mitera, Travis Turnbull, Miller). Faceoff is set for 8:05 p.m. and CBS College Sports will broadcast the game.