winning each game and closing to within 2 points of the top spot in the CCHA with a game in hand. Botterill continued to build on his game, recording a hat-trick for the third time in 5 games. The good times could not keep rolling, however, and the following weekend Michigan could only escape with a tie against a down Ohio State squad before losing the following night at Bowling Green. The next weekend Michigan hosted the Buckeyes and earned 3 points but had now dropped 6 points behind Michigan State for the CCHA crown. Catching up The schedule handed Michigan a win when the Spartans and Broncos split a weekend series, allowing the Wolverine's 2 wins to put them in second place with a showdown against MSU looming. After both teams won on Friday, Michigan and Michigan State met at the Joe Louis Arena for the second time the game remained close for 40 minutes but the Wolverine's potent offense broke the game open in the third, finding the net 5 times with the power play finishing 4 for 6 and leading Michigan to an 8–1 win and putting them 2 points back with a game in hand. Riding high from their win, Michigan endured a nightmare weekend at #7 Lake Superior State, losing both games and bringing the Lakers into a tie for second with Blue. Fortunately Michigan's next game was against the Spartans and the conclusion of their regular season series. The Wolverines won their third game against MSU and followed that up with a win over Bowling Green. With the Spartans idle, the two points sent Michigan above Michigan State in the standings and allowed Michigan to claim a shared CCHA title with the Lakers. CCHA tournament The series loss to the Lakers left Michigan with the #2 seed and a first round meeting with Miami. Turco was stellar in the series, surrendering only one goal in the two-game sweep. In the semifinal they were met by the Spartans once more and the third time at 'The Joe'. The Wolverines continued their winning streak with a 6–2 win then met Lake Superior in the championship and avenged their earlier losses with a 4–3 victory. NCAA tournament The CCHA tournament title almost earned Michigan the #1 seed but Colorado College's superior record had them as the top western seed. The second spot for Michigan did grant them