Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena)
Score: #18 Michigan 1, #1 Notre Dame 0
Records: U-M (16-13-3, 11-10-3-2 B1G), ND (22-8-2, 16-5-1-1 B1G)
Next U-M Event: Friday, Feb. 23 — vs. Arizona State (Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena), 7:30 p.m.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The No. 18-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team made history Sunday night (Feb. 18) as they swept No. 1-ranked Notre Dame at Red Berenson Rink at Yost Ice Arena. Led by a stellar performance from sophomore goaltender Hayden Lavigne (34 saves), the Wolverines came away with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The weekend sweep marks the first time since polls were introduced that the Wolverines have swept the top-ranked team in the country.
Michigan had a couple of quality chances in the first period, but were unable to capitalize. The Wolverines’ best chance came at the 5:01 mark, when Calderone found himself with a shot from the right side of the crease that hit off the top post and failed to slide in. The Maize and Blue continued to dominate the first period, out-shooting Notre Dame, 16-8, but neither team was able to get on the scoreboard in the first.
U-M started off the second period a man down after a late penalty in the first, but held Notre Dame to only two shots on goal. After a quick paced period, Michigan struck first when Calderone received a drop pass from linemate Cooper Marody and buried his shot in the top right corner to put Michigan up, 1-0, with 38.1 seconds left in the second period. Calderone’s goal marks his 50th career goal and gives the “DMC” line its 37th marker of the year, which accounts for 37% of goals scored by the Maize and Blue.
Notre Dame opened up the third period with heavy offensive pressure but could not seem to get past Lavigne’s spectacular saves. The sophomore goalie shut down the Notre Dame offense and made 34 saves, marking his third shutout of the season and fifth of his career. The performance also marks Lavigne’s third-straight game making 30-plus saves.
Notre Dame’s best opportunities came during the final moments of the game, when they had a flurry of chances as they played a man up for the final 1:35 of the game. But despite heavy pressure, the defense held strong and kept the puck away from the net which secured the victory over the Irish.
Calderone’s goal combined with Lavigne’s performance gave Michigan the weekend sweep over Notre Dame. This is also the first time Notre Dame has been swept this season, and the second time a No. 1-ranked team was swept this year.
Michigan will host Arizona State next weekend (Feb. 23-24) to conclude its regular-season schedule before the Big Ten Tournament begins on Friday, March 2. Puck drop at Yost Ice Arena is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. each night. Senior Night festivities will take place following Saturday’s game.
