Captain Hughes erupts for two third-period power-play goals, securing No. 1 Michigan's hard-fought 6-4 victory over Ohio State in a tense rivalry showdown.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a rivalry defined by intensity and unpredictability, the No. 1-ranked Michigan men’s ice hockey team proved why they hold the top spot in the nation. In a back-and-forth slugfest Friday night at the Schottenstein Center, senior captain T.J. Hughes notched two third-period power-play goals to propel the Wolverines to a 6-4 victory over Ohio State.
The win improves Michigan’s record to 21-4-0 (12-3-0 B1G) and extends their dominance in the season series against the Buckeyes. Despite being outshot 34-24, the Wolverines' clinical finishing and special teams proved to be the difference-maker in front of a hostile crowd of over 7,600 fans.
A Tale of Two Periods
The game started with a lightning strike from Michigan’s sophomore sensation Will Horcoff. Just 58 seconds into the opening frame, Horcoff crashed the net to bury a rebound for his 20th goal of the season. The primary assist went to freshman Michael Hage, who showcased his playmaking vision early.
However, the Buckeyes refused to shrink on their home ice. After a period of sustained pressure, Davis Burnside leveled the score 1-1 late in the first with a deflected shot that snuck past Michigan netminder Stephen Peck.
The second period mirrored the first's explosive start. Only 25 seconds after the puck drop, freshman Adam Valentini redirected a shot from Drew Schock to reclaim a 2-1 lead for the Wolverines. But the lead was short-lived. Ohio State responded with a power-play goal from Max Montes and a rebound tally from James Hong, taking their first lead of the night at 3-2.
The teams traded goals like heavyweight boxers for the remainder of the period. Michigan’s Asher Barnett tied it at three, only for Ohio State’s Jake Karabela to make it 4-3. Just when it seemed the Buckeyes would carry momentum into the final intermission, Jayden Perron pulled off a brilliant individual effort, snapping a shot home with 41 seconds left in the period to knot the game at 4-4.
Special Teams Seal the Deal
The third period belonged to the captain. With the game hanging in the balance, Michigan’s power play—ranked among the best in the country—took center stage.
At the 5:34 mark, T.J. Hughes found a loose puck in the low slot and buried it to give Michigan a 5-4 advantage. The Buckeyes pushed back frantically, outshooting Michigan in the final frame, but Peck stood tall, finishing the night with a career-high 30 saves.
Hughes slammed the door shut at 17:17, scoring his second power-play goal of the night on a setup from Horcoff and Valentini. The goal marked Hughes' fourth three-point game of the year and moved him into a tie for 30th on Michigan’s all-time scoring list.
Key Performances
- T.J. Hughes (U-M): 2 goals, 1 assist (Game-winner).
- Michael Hage (U-M): 3 assists (Team-high).
- Stephen Peck (U-M): 30 saves (Career high).
- Max Montes (OSU): 1 goal, 2 assists in his 100th career game.
"It was a gritty performance," said Michigan Head Coach Brandon Naurato. "In this building, against that team, you have to find ways to win when you don't have your 'A' game. Our leaders stepped up when it mattered most."
Looking Ahead
The two teams will return to the Schottenstein Center tonight at 5:00 p.m. to wrap up the regular-season series. Michigan will look for the weekend sweep to solidify their lead in the Big Ten standings, while Ohio State aims to play spoiler in front of another expected sellout crowd.