ANN ARBOR, Mich. — So close to an upset, the St. Lawrence University men's hockey team couldn't afford a single miscue late in the game against second-ranked Michigan on Friday night.

But Wolverines senior forward Tim Miller capitalized on the slightest mistake as Michigan was able to fend off scrappy St. Lawrence, 4-3, in each team's season opener at Yost Arena.

Late in the third period, SLU goalie Alex Petizian made a pad save on a shot by Michigan forward Travis Turnbull, but he couldn't corral the rebound fast enough. Miller flew in from the slot and deposited the game-winner with less than three minutes left for the Wolverines. Michigan has won six straight games against St. Lawrence.

Without Petizian, however, St. Lawrence would've struggled to match up with Michigan, which appeared in the NCAA Frozen Four a year ago. The junior finished with 31 saves, many of which came on the penalty kill. SLU nullified all 10 of the Wolverines' power-play chances.

"That was a great game for us and one we can take a lot out of," Saints head coach Joe Marsh said. "It was a great effort across the board in a very tough place to play. Obviously, we had a big night on the penalty kill, but there were a lot of other things that we did well."

Being able to score the first two goals certainly helped the Saints. Senior wing Kevin DeVergilio scored off a rebound midway through the first period. Freshman forward Brandon Bollig netted his first collegiate goal almost four minutes later to give SLU an early advantage.

Michigan responded with the next three goals, including first-period tallies by wings Ben Winnett and Carl Hagelin. Wolverines defenseman Chad Langlais snapped a one-timer past Petizan midway through the second period as Michigan grabbed its first lead.

Less than a minute after Langlais's goal, St. Lawrence converted on the power play. Senior captain and defenseman Shawn Fensel set up junior Mike McKenzie for an easy goal to tie it up at 3-3.

The Saints averaged just over 11 penalty minutes a game last season, but doubled that total Friday. SLU's special teams were stellar, though, and they stopped a pair of two-man advantages for the Wolverines in the second and third periods, respectively.

But Michigan's offense could only be contained for so long, and Miller proved it with his late goal.

"Michigan is a highly-skilled team that can turn things around in a hurry, but I thought we competed very well with them," Marsh said.

nNOTES:Bollig wasn't the only freshman to play for St. Lawrence. WingerRick Cardenjoined DeVergilio andBrock McBrideon the second line. ... Junior transferAugie DiMarzorecorded his first point for the Saints with an assist on Bollig's goal. ... Tonight's game is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.