The Wolverines rally late before Adam Valentini delivers the winner in a thrilling 5–4 victory over the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Michigan hockey needed a response after suffering its first loss of the season Saturday. On Sunday night, the top-ranked Wolverines delivered one in dramatic fashion.
Behind a five-point performance from Michael Hage and an overtime winner from Adam Valentini, No. 1 Michigan defeated Ohio State 5–4 at Value City Arena, improving to 8–1 overall and 1–1 in Big Ten play.
Hage finished with one goal and four assists, contributing to every Michigan goal. It marked the third five-point performance of his collegiate career.
But the victory was far from comfortable.
Michigan Refuses to Go Away
Ohio State opened the scoring in the first period before Michigan answered with two second-period power-play goals from Malcolm Spence and J.P. Hurlbert.
The Wolverines carried a 2–1 advantage into the third period, but the final 20 minutes turned into a back-and-forth battle.
Ohio State tied the game early in the period before Hage scored to put Michigan back in front, 3–2.
The Buckeyes answered again, then took a 4–3 lead with just 2:22 remaining in regulation.
Michigan’s unbeaten start to the season had already ended Saturday. Now the Wolverines were staring at a potential weekend sweep at the hands of their conference rival.
Spence made sure that didn’t happen.
With 1:12 remaining, Spence scored his second goal of the night to tie the game at four, assisted by Hage and Jayden Perron.
The late equalizer sent the contest into overtime.
Valentini Delivers the Winner
Michigan controlled much of the three-on-three overtime period, generating sustained offensive pressure.
With 43 seconds remaining in overtime, Hage set up Valentini for the game-winning goal, securing the 5–4 victory.
Valentini’s winner completed a remarkable comeback and gave Michigan a split of the weekend series.
Goaltender Jack Ivankovic made 23 saves, while Michigan finished with a 32–27 advantage in shots.
Perron contributed three assists, and Spence finished with two goals.
MCSN Analysis: Michigan Shows Why It’s No. 1
The Wolverines didn’t play a perfect weekend of hockey.
Saturday’s 5–2 defeat exposed vulnerabilities, and Sunday’s contest included defensive breakdowns that allowed Ohio State to score four times.
But championship-caliber teams must respond when games get difficult.
Michigan did exactly that.
Hage was outstanding, providing the offensive creativity and production that separated the Wolverines from their rival. His five-point night demonstrated how dangerous Michigan can be when its top offensive players are controlling the game.
More importantly, Michigan didn’t fold after surrendering the lead late in regulation.
The Wolverines found an equalizer, controlled overtime and finished the job.
The MCSN Take: Michigan’s first loss exposed areas that need improvement, but Sunday’s response reinforced why the Wolverines belong among college hockey’s elite. Hage was the difference-maker, and Michigan showed the resilience necessary for a championship run.
The Wolverines return home November 13–14 for a two-game Big Ten series against Penn State.
For now, Michigan leaves Columbus with a hard-earned split and an important reminder: even the nation’s top-ranked team has to fight for every victory.