Michigan Edges Denver In Overtime Thriller For Frozen Four Berth
Michigan Edges Denver In Overtime Thriller For Frozen Four Berth...
The University of Michigan hockey team defeated Denver 3-2 in overtime Thursday night to advance to the Frozen Four, sparking celebrations across Ann Arbor. The Wolverines' Dylan Duke scored the game-winner 12:18 into OT at Maryland Heights, Missouri's Centene Community Ice Center, sending Michigan to its third consecutive NCAA semifinal.
This matchup between two historic college hockey programs is trending nationally as fans debate whether Michigan (26-9-3) can finally win its first national championship since 1998. Denver (28-10-3), the 2022 national champions, saw their season end despite outshooting Michigan 38-29 in the physical regional final.
Thursday's game turned when Michigan goalie Jake Barczewski made a spectacular glove save in overtime before Duke's decisive rebound goal. The victory sets up a Frozen Four showdown with Boston College on April 11 in St. Paul, Minnesota - a rematch of Michigan's 2023 semifinal loss.
Social media erupted after the game, with #GoBlue trending on Twitter as fans shared videos of the winning goal. The matchup drew particular attention because Denver had eliminated Michigan in last year's NCAA tournament, adding revenge narrative to the high-stakes game.
College hockey analysts note Michigan's path to the title now goes through three consecutive Hockey East opponents. After Boston College, they'd face either Quinnipiac or Boston University in the championship game on April 13.
Ticket prices for the Frozen Four at St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center have surged 40% since Michigan's victory, according to secondary market data. The Wolverines' large alumni base and Denver's strong traveling fan contingent contributed to one of the most-watched NCAA hockey regionals in ESPN history.
Michigan coach Brandon Naurato told reporters postgame: "These guys don't quit. We've been battle-tested all season, and it showed tonight." The Wolverines improved to 5-1 in overtime games this season, while Denver fell to 0-3 in OT tournament games since 2021.
