In a game that neither team led by more than two goals, it was Michigan who found a way to extend its winning streak after handing Maryland a 12-11 loss in the Big Ten opener.
The Wolverines came out the gate firing on all cylinders on both sides of the field and at face-off to start the game. Michigan came out to a quick 2-0 lead within the first five minutes. The Terps struggled to score with five turnovers in the first quarter alone. It was not until 1:01 left in the first quarter that the Terps would get their first tally thanks an assist from Jack Koras to Daniel Maltz on an extra man opportunity. While Michigan did come out to a quick 2-0 lead, the Terps defense hunkered down and shut down the Wolverine offense and forced seven turnovers of their own to help keep the Terps in the game.
To start the second quarter, the Wolverines drew first blood yet again just a 1:12 into the quarter. Head coach John Tillman called a timeout after the goal to settle his team down and provide a spark, a decision that soon proved to be correct. The Terps wound up going on a four-goal run to take a 5-3 lead with just under six minutes to go in the first half thanks to Eric Spanos, Eric Malever, Braden Erksa and Owen Murphy. Maryland’s defense kept getting stops and causing turnovers which was giving the offense extra possessions and helping them extend their lead. Michigan would end the Terps four goal lead with 4:20 to go in the first half and would score once more to tie the game up with 1:22 to go in the half off of a fastbreak opportunity off a Terps turnover. Luke Wierman would win the ensuing face-off and the Terps would capitalize and score yet again thanks to Koras getting his first goal on the day off an assist from Erksa. Michigan would win the ensuing face-off but the Terps defense would stand tall and keep it a 6-5 game heading into halftime.
To start off the third quarter, Wierman would win the opening face-off however Michigan would force the Terps tenth turnover on the day giving them the first full possession of the quarter. Both defenses were shutting down the opposing offenses to start the second half. It was not until 6:31 left in the quarter that someone would score when the Wolverines would draw first blood. Erksa and the Terps would however get the lead right back just over a minute later. Michigan would however find the back of the net two two straight times taking an 8-7 lead with 2:46 to go in the quarter. The Terps offense would keep getting stopped and having their shots saved to keep the score at 8-7 heading into the fourth quarter.
In the final quarter, it would be Michigan that would draw first blood yet again with a goal with 11:06 left in the game. However, just 23 seconds later, AJ Larkin would score his first career goal to cut it back to a one goal game and end the Wolverines three goal run. Maltz would then get his second goal of the game with the shot clock winding down with 8:31 left in the game to tie the game back up at nine a piece. Just about two minutes later, Malever would find Maltz for his third goal of the day giving him another hat trick on his career and it would give the Terps the lead yet again. Michigan would however get a goal right back and tie it up at ten with 5:40 to go in the game. While Maltz was falling on his back, he would find Ryan Siracusa for his tenth goal of the season and give the Terps the lead right back with just 3:47 to go in the game. However, just 1:10 later, Michigan would tie the game right back up at 11 a piece. With 1:13 left, Michigan would force a turnover on a Terps clear and they would get an open shot right on the crease where they would take advantage and score to take a 12-11 lead. Wierman would win the ensuing face-off thanks to a violation by Michigan and coach Tillman would call a timeout to set up the Terps final possession to try and tie the game back up. Murphy would get an open look to tie the game but Michigan would get the save and they would drain out the clock on offense to take the 12-11 win.
With the loss, Maryland dropped to 5-3 on the year and will be back in action next Sunday where they will look to end their two game losing streak at Penn State. The game is set to air on Big Ten Network.