Four scored, one win to go

Wolverines overpowerWildcats, 4-0

By Fred Link
Daily Sports Writer

BOSTON - In the past few games, Michigan has had difficulty coming out strong in the first period.

Against New Hampshire, that wasn't a problem. The Wolverines looked good early, and led by defenseman Bubba Berenzweig's two goals, Michigan defeated New Hampshire, 4-0, to advance to the NCAA championship game against Boston College tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.

The Wolverines opened with a burst of energy in the first period while the Wildcats - by their own admission - emerged nervous. And the Wolverines took advantage, outshooting New Hampshire 14-4 in the period.

WARREN ZINN/Daily Michigan freshman Geoff Koch celebrates after he scores on New Hampshire to give the Wolverines a 3-0 lead at the FleetCenter in Boston

"They were flying from the first period on," New Hampshire captain Mike Mowers said.

After controlling play in the Wildcats' zone for much of the first period, and coming close to scoring on several opportunities, the Wolverines finally put a puck past New Hampshire netminder Sean Matile late in the first period.

With Justin Clark in the penalty box for charging, Berenzweig picked up a clearing pass from Dale Rominski at center ice and skated in on the left wing.

Berenzweig blasted a shot from just above the center of the circle. New Hampshire netminder Sean Matile made the save, but the rebound came right back to Berenzweig, who calmly put the puck into the net before Matile could recover.

"I thought I was shooting for the far corner," Berenzweig said of the original shot. "I saw an opening, but it didn't go there. It bounced right back off his pads to me and I got lucky to get the rebound and to put it behind him."

Earlier in the Clark penalty, Turco came up big to keep the game scoreless. New Hampshire forward Tom Nolan slipped behind the Michigan defense and tried to beat Turco between the legs, but the Michigan goaltender made a tremendous save.

Michigan broke the game open midway through the second period, scoring two goals just 43 seconds apart. Michigan's second goal of the period came on its fourth power play opportunity of the game. Berenzweig took a pass from Bobby Hayes and fired an innocent-looking wristshot on Matile. The Wildcats' goaltender was screened on the play by Michigan's Greg Crozier and didn't see the puck until it was behind him.

"It was a wrist shot from the point, and I didn't really see it," Matile said. "Coach said it might have hit something out front, but I don't know."

The Wolverines scored their second goal of the period when New Hampshire native Geoff Koch took a pass from Clark just inside the blue line and split two Wildcat defenders. Koch cut in on the right wing and chipped a backhand shot over Matile and into the net.

"He took the shot and it just went over my pad," Matile said.

But once again it was Michigan's goaltender who needed to play hero yesterday.

Turco only faced five shots in the period, but had to make two incredible saves late in the period to preserve the two-goal lead. With a little over two minutes remaining, Turco slid across the crease and made a spectacular glove save on Nolan, who appeared to have an open net.

A minute later, Turco did it again - this time on Dylan Dellezay, who appeared to have an easy goal until Turco side-slid and robbed him.

"New Hampshire would have scored against most goalies," Michigan coach Red Berenson said. "Instead of the momentum changing and going to a 3-2 game, it was still 3-0."

But Turco maintained his trademark calm, and reiterated his focus.

"When I'm called upon to make saves, that's just my job," Turco said. "I didn't do anything spectacular."

New Hampshire's offense finally appeared to get going early in the third period, but when New Hampshire did get a good scoring chance, Turco was there to make the save.

Matt Herr closed out the scoring late in the third period when he knocked a centering pass from Bill Muckalt into the open side of the net.

yesterday. Michigan went on to win 4-0 and advance to tomorrow night's NCAA championship game.

04-03-98