Detroit – Alex Kile had a goal and an assist and Michigan peppered Michigan State with 49 shots on its way to a 4-1 victory over the Spartans in the second Big Ten semifinal on Friday night at Joe Louis Arena.
The victory moves the third-seeded Wolverines (22-14) into the championship game against Minnesota on Saturday night. Michigan needs a victory, with an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament at stake.
Second-seeded Michigan State (17-16-2) saw its season end despite 45 saves from goalie Jake Hildebrand.
The Wolverines struck first on a power-play goal by Michael Downing at 12:59 of the first period. Michigan State tied it 1-1 on Matt Berry's power-play goal at 8:41 of the second, but JT Compher put Michigan ahead for good 2:55 later. Cristoval Nieves and Kile scored in the third.
Staff Reports
