Falcons drop exhibition with Wolverines 7-1

Ann Arbor, MI – An unconventional exhibition between NCAA opponents Saturday resulted in a 7-1 win for Michigan over Bowling Green.

Zack Rose started in net for the Falcons, stopping 22 of 25 shots faced. He was relieved in the second period by Christian Stoever who stopped 14 of 16 chances.

Erik Portillo turned aside all 19 Falcon attempts he faced. He was relieved for Jack Leavy who stopped four of five shots faced.

First Period

Michigan opened the game’s scoring at 1:28 of the opening frame. Kent Johnson was sprung free in a breakaway from a Matty Beniers pass. Johnson’s shot sailed past Rose’s glove side for the 1-0 Wolverine lead.

Brendan Brisson extended the Wolverines’ lead to 2-0 at 10:40 of the opening frame on the power play. He finished a one-timer from the near face-off circle for his first goal of the game.

It was again Brisson scoring for Michigan at 11:02 of the first period. His snipe fooled Rose for his second goal of the game.

The Wolverines’ capped their opening period of scoring at 19:11. Jimmy Lambert finished a rebound that came off a save from a shot by Luke Hughes.

Michigan finished the opening period with 17 shots on net, while Bowling Green had six chances.

Second Period

The Wolverines extended their lead to 5-0 at 7:53 of the middle frame. Nick Blankenburg’s wrist shot from the point beat a screened Rose.

Blankenburg tallied his second goal of the night at 11:15 of the second period to push the Wolverines’ lead to 6-0.

Michigan had 15 shots on goal in the second period while Bowling Green had nine attempts.

Third Period

Michigan took a 7-0 lead at 2:12 of the final period. Brisson made it a hat-trick as his shot crossed-up Stoever who was moving laterally.

The Falcons were finally able to crack the scoreboard at 14:22 of the final period. Coale Norris banged home a loose puck on the power play to cut the Wolverines’ lead to 7-1, the game’s final score.

Michigan had 11 shots in the final period while Bowling Green tallied nine chances.

Bowling Green will officially open the 2021-2022 season next Friday against RPI.