Wolverines dominate Bentley, showcase scoring depth and freshman goaltending heroics. Next up: Minnesota Duluth for a Frozen Four berth.
ALBANY, N.Y. – The road to the Frozen Four began with a statement of intent on Friday night as the University of Michigan, the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed, dismantled No. 20 Bentley 5-1 at MVP Arena. In a performance defined by clinical finishing and a standout performance from their freshman goaltender, the Wolverines secured their 30th win of the season and booked a spot in the regional final.
Making their record 42nd NCAA Tournament appearance, Michigan showed exactly why they are the favorites to hoist the trophy. Led by Big Ten Player of the Year T.J. Hughes, who notched a goal and two assists, the Wolverines’ high-octane offense proved too much for the Falcons to handle.
Hughes Sets the Tone Early
The scoring opened at 9:49 of the first period. Jayden Perron, who finished with a two-point night, found Hughes at the top of the left circle. Hughes showcased his elite scoring touch, skating through the slot and rifling a shot past the Bentley netminder’s glove side to make it 1-0.
The opening frame seemed destined to end with a one-goal margin until a moment of pure hustle from Ben Robertson changed the complexion of the game. With the clock ticking down, Robertson gathered a loose puck in his own zone and raced up the ice. Just before crossing the blue line, he let a desperation shot fly. The puck found the back of the net with a mere one second remaining on the clock. After a brief video review, the goal stood, giving Michigan a demoralizing 2-0 cushion heading into the first intermission.
Special Teams and Secondary Scoring
While the offense grabbed the headlines, Michigan’s defensive resolve was equally impressive. The Wolverines' penalty kill was a perfect 4-for-4 on the evening, snuffing out any hope of a Bentley comeback.
In the second period, the power play joined the party. At the 8:36 mark, Nick Moldenhauer extended the lead to 3-0, blasting a one-timer off the post and in following a crisp pass from Perron. Less than three minutes later, Kason Muscutt made it 4-0, finishing a play orchestrated by Hughes from behind the goal line.
Garrett Schifsky added the final touch for the Wolverines at 7:50 of the third period, firing a laser from the right circle that hit the back bar so hard it bounced immediately back into play. The officials quickly signaled a goal, pushing the lead to 5-0.
Ivankovic Stands Tall
Between the pipes, freshman Jack Ivankovic was nothing short of spectacular. Making his first career NCAA Tournament start, Ivankovic looked like a seasoned veteran, turning aside 24 of 25 shots. He played 59:33 of shutout hockey, coming within seconds of a clean sheet before Bentley’s late goal at 19:33 finally spoiled the bid. Despite the late blemish, his steady presence anchored a Michigan defense that was out-shot for portions of the second period.
Looking Ahead to Duluth
The victory improves Michigan’s all-time NCAA Tournament record to an incredible 60-33. It also marks the first time the program has reached the 30-win plateau since the 2021-22 campaign.
The Wolverines now turn their attention to a massive regional final clash against Minnesota Duluth. The Bulldogs, perennial tournament contenders, present a significant step up in physicality and defensive structure. For Michigan, the formula remains the same: utilize their superior speed, rely on the playmaking of Hughes and Schifsky, and hope Ivankovic continues his poise under the bright lights of the postseason.
The regional final is set for Sunday at 5:30 PM. With a trip to the Frozen Four on the line, the Wolverines appear to be peaking at exactly the right time.