Nolan Moyle scored just 33 seconds into the game. (0:33)
Michigan, with a star-laden roster that includes four of the top five picks in the 2020 NHL draft, dispatched Quinnipiac, 7-4, on Sunday in the NCAA hockey tournament, securing the final bid to the Frozen Four.
American International, the Atlantic Hockey Conference's champion, was eliminated by the Michigan on Friday and the ECAC's runner-up, the Bobcat, on Sunday.
The Frozen Four will be held in Boston on April 7. The state-rival Mavericks will be facing off against the Pioneers at the TD Garden.
The most talked-about team in the sport this season with all of its star power had some ups and downs during the regular season. After missing out on the Olympics and World Junior tournament, the Michigan hockey team won the Big 10 title, but lost to the University of Minnesota in the conference tournament.
The University of Michigan secured their 26th appearance in the Frozen Four, tying Minnesota for the most in NCAA history, and will head to Massachusetts looking for their 10th national championship.
The only East Coast team left was Quinnipiac, which fell into a three goal hole in the first period and couldn't recover. Owen Power, the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft by the Buffalo Sabres, assisted on two of the Michigan goals.
After two periods, Michigan had a four goal lead. Brendan Brisson, the No. 29 overall pick by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2020 NHL draft, added a goal to seal the scoring for the Wolverines. Desi Burgart, Jayden Lee, Wyatt Bongiovanni, and Zach Metsa scored.
The main thing is that we are on to Boston. Give him a lot of credit. We were on the ropes. We regrouped, but we hung on.
Western Michigan was blanked by the Gophers on Sunday to punch their ticket to Boston. Matthew Knies, a second-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, scored for Minnesota.
On Saturday, Denver defeated Minnesota-Duluth, and Minnesota State defeated Notre Dame.
In a tournament that has lacked offense, the Wolverines lead all teams with 12 goals. Denver, which has allowed just three goals in its two tournament games, is not as easy to beat.
Pearson said they would have to make sure they played three periods.
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