SAINT PAUL, Minn. — It started with confidence, despite two more losses.
Michigan hockey coach Mel Pearson told Hayden Lavigne he no longer had to look over his shoulder as the team's starting goaltender. Pearson and his staff had committed to playing Lavigne for both games of a series against Notre Dame in January, after alternating him with fellow sophomore Jack LaFontaine in the first half.
Lavigne didn’t give up an even-strength goal against Notre Dame, but the Wolverines lost each game and fell to 8-10-2.
Lavigne has started every game since that series and will again Thursday night when Michigan (22-14-3) faces Notre Dame (27-9-2) in the Frozen Four at the Xcel Energy Center.