As the Wolverines inch one step closer to another Frozen Four, the annual question remains — can this program win its first national championship since 1998? This certainly looks like head coach Brandon Naurato’s best chance to date, but how realistic are the hopes of winning the big one?
Here are a couple reasons why Michigan can, and can’t, win it all this season.
Why: Jack Ivankovic and the defense depth
The freshman has been the best Michigan goaltender since…? Despite missing some time earlier this season due to injury, Ivankovic still
sports a 24-7-1 record, a 2.10 GAA and a 0.924 save percentage.
He is not a one-man show, however, as this defense has been stellar. Whether it be the veteran, nasty tandem of Luca Fantilli and Tyler Duke, rapidly improving and impressive freshmen Drew Schock and Asher Barnett, the continued development of Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen, or the transfer addition of Ben Robertson, all six of the primary defensemen have contributed to this campaign.
No, there is not an Owen Power or Quinn Hughes type of player manning the blue line for the Wolverines, but this is a tough, deep and reliable unit that has made life even easier for the young goaltender.
Why not: Michael Hage’s status
Superstar sophomore forward Michael Hage missed the Wolverines’ opener against Bentley with what appears to be a right leg injury, but there has been no official announcement by the team. Michigan can probably survive Minnesota-Duluth without its most creative offensive playmaker, but that is far from a guarantee. If Michigan does win on Sunday, its hopes of winning in the Frozen Four take a significant hit if Hage can’t suit up again.
However, should the Wolverines advance to Las Vegas, it would have a nice, week+ break before the National Semifinal on April 9.
Why: The bottom six forwards
We have spent most of the season praising the likes of Hage, T.J. Hughes, Will Horcoff and all those talented forwards up front, and rightfully so. But much like the defense, this is as well-rounded a group as Naurato has had.
Whether it be freshman center Cole McKinney with his 200-foot game and face-off brilliance, seniors like Kienan Draper and Josh Eernisse who bring the sandpaper or a guy like freshman Adam Valentini, who can slot up-and-down the lineup and has double-digit goals (10) and assists (15).
The Wolverines’ inability to trust four lines and have that typically younger, smaller talent falter against older, heavier teams has plagued them in the past. Yet, this feels like a more mature, more balanced group than previous years.
Why not: An unfriendly path
Michigan has been one of — if not the — best teams all season. Usually, that bodes well for a championship run, and it still does. But maintaining that success over nearly six months is difficult to do, and being the favorite means less in this sport than perhaps any other.
Dates with the NPI’s eighth, fourth or fifth-ranked and whoever would await in the National Championship is no cake walk, and anything can happen during 60 minutes on the ice.
Can the Wolverines keep this season alive and break the title drought? Let us know your thoughts down below.
