Missed opportunities hampered the Clarkson University Hockey team’s bid to knock off top-ranked Michigan in the NCAA East Regional Championship as the Wolverines held the Golden Knights off the scoreboard en route to a 2-0 victory on Saturday night at the Times Union Center in Albany.
ECAC Hockey Regular Season Champion, Clarkson finished one of its best seasons in the 68-year history with a 22-13-4 overall record.
The number-one seed in the 2008 NCAA Tournament, Michigan with 33-5-4 record, will now advance to the Frozen Four in Denver, CO on April 10 and 12.
“I thought we played awfully hard again tonight,” said head coach George Roll. “We had some early chances, and the first two periods were probably our best. I am proud of our effort. I thought for two games we completed at an extremely high level. I feel we put forth an effort that out University can be proud of.”
The Golden Knights, coming off its first tournament victory in 11 years with Friday’s 2-1 win over St. Cloud, came out strong against Michigan. Clarkson leading goal scorer, senior Steve Zalewski (New Hartford, NY) began the game with a shot in close just five seconds after the faceoff, but was denied by Michigan goaltender Billy Sauer. The Knights continued to pressure, but the Wolverines struck first, capitalizing on the power play. At 14:23, Aaron Palushaj swept in a wrap-around attempt past Clarkson’s senior goaltender David Leggio (Williamsville, NY) to halt the Green and Gold’s momentum.
Clarkson, benefiting from four power plays in the second frame, had numerous chances to tie the score. Bad luck, unfortunate bounces, block shots and a stingy effort by the Michigan penalty killers, however, limited the Knights to just two shots on goal during those man-advantage chances.
Michigan, the CCHA regular season and postseason champions, sealed its 23rd Frozen Four appearance with an early goal to start the third. Just 26 seconds into the final frame, Hobey Baker Award Finalist Kevin Porter made the Knights pay for a turnover in their own end, scoring his 33rd goal of the season.
The Wolverines out shot Clarkson 32-27. Leggio put in another strong outing in goal with a 30-save effort, including 17 stops in the third period. Sauer made 27 saves to hand the Knights their first shutout loss of the season.
Clarkson went 0-of-9 on the power play. Michigan was 1-of-8 with the man advantage.
Senior defenseman Grant Clitsome (Gloucester, ONT) and junior right wing Shea Guthrie (Carleton Place, ONT) became the first Knights’ since 1970 to be named to an NCAA postseason all-star team with their selection to the East Regional team.
