Tonight the University of Michigan iced out Michigan State to win the “Duel in the D”.
The “Duel in the D” is not just the funniest name hockey game I’ve ever heard of, it is a tradition in the great city of Detroit. The game is played at Little Ceasars Arena, home of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. The University of Michigan and Michigan State meet up every year to battle for – another great name here – the “Iron D” trophy.
As for tonight’s game, it should come as no surprise that the University of Michigan flatted Michigan State once more. Even without their highly drafted players, Kent Johnson, Owen Power, Matty Beniers, and Brendon Brisson, who are all over in Beijing eight now, this Michigan team was relentless on State.
In the first period, Michigan picked up 2 quick goals to get things started. Mackie Samoskevich opened the scoring early with a goal just 1:35 into the game. Dylan Duke added another 6 minutes later and on the power play.
Michigan and State came right back with that same energy in the second. Mark Estapa of the University of Michigan picked up a 5 minute major for hitting from behind and a subsequent 10-minute game misconduct. Michigan was not too worried about that, they put up two back-to-back short-handed goals early in that penalty kill. It was Jimmy Lambert and Thomas Bordeleau to seal the deal:
Shortly after Bordeleau’s goal, State answered back with two power-play goals to get themselves back within 2.
A few minutes later, Jimmy Lambert grabbed his second of the period and made things 5-2. 45 seconds after, State answered with a goal of their own.
Nick Granowicz was the one to close out this period with another Michigan goal at 18:51.
After such exuberant scoring in the second, the third was slowed dramatically in the 3rd. Only Luke Hughes, who had a stellar game, came out with a goal – and that was in the dying seconds of the third period. But he was due after already putting up 2 assists and 6 shots on goal.
My University of Michigan won this one 7-3. Erik Portillo had an incredible game. He faced 22 shots on net and only allowed 3 goals. Luke Hughes was incredible, so was Jimmy Lambert. I would have loved to see this game with the big boys involved but I think Michigan crushed it all the same. They beat State 3 times already this season, outscoring them 16-6, but this has to be the best one yet. Because in this one they got the Iron D for their 5th straight year- it’s funny every time.
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Featured Image: University of Michigan Twitter
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