Yaniv Perets got a taste of Michigan’s punch as they defeated Quinnipiac 7-4 to advance to the Frozen Four.
The Quebec goaltender allowed four goals in the first 40 minutes of play and with a 4-0 deficit in view of the third period, he was taken out of the game. He finished his night with 19 saves on 23 shots.
The coach’s decision paid off as Quinnipiac scored three unanswered goals early in the third period. Obtained by the Canadian in the transaction that sent Ben Chiarot to Florida, Ty Smilanic collected an assist on the net of Desi Burgart which reduced the gap to a single goal.
Michael Pastujov restored a two-goal lead to Michigan, which then raced to victory. Buffalo Sabers prospect Owen Power came through with four assists. Thomas Bordeleau scored a goal and had two assists.
Perets had a stellar season that earned him a Hobey-Baker Trophy nomination. He had a 1.07 goals-against average and a .944 save percentage.
Michigan will face Denver on April 7. The other Frozen Four duel will pit Minnesota against Minnesota State.