The No. 4 ranked Michigan Wolverines (28-9-1) — much like the late 1980s Pistons overcoming the Boston Celtics — have finally shaken the leprechaun from their backs and beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (27-11) in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament, 2-1.
In the beginning, it felt like more of the same between Notre Dame and Michigan: the Wolverines would generate constant pressure and opportunities, but come away with nothing. Even with a 5-on-3 advantage, the Wolverines could not generate a goal.
Contrarily, the Irish would generate high quality chances on minimal opportunities and the feeling of, “Here we go again,” began to set in after a scoreless first period.