Swedish Shutout

CLICK HERE for Game Recap from Kristy McNeil and other pertinent information and HERE for current Pairwise Rankings.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS (www.collegehockeynews.com)

Forward Notes.

-This game was never close. Both Michigan State goalies gifted the Wolverines soft goals in the opening eleven minutes and before one could utter "Little Brother," it was 4-0. Thomas Bordeleau, Mike Pastujov, and Kent Johnson all tallied in the early going. That was pretty much it. The truth is that Michigan is just a very good hockey team and Michigan State is not. The Wolverines overwhelmed the Spartans in every way, shape, form, and part of a hockey game. We're running out of ways to describe the differences between these two teams.

-Johnny Beecher was the man of note on Saturday evening. He finally broke his 2022 scoring drought on a 2v1 deposit...breaking his stick in celebration. Beecher has been having quite a second half, especially since lining up with Mackie Samoskevich and Dylan Duke. While Duke and Samo have been scoring, that is the one area of Johnny's game that hasn't clicked. He also tallied a power play goal during Michigan's Five Minute Rampage in the second period. Don't be surprised if Beecher takes this line to even higher heights now that he's gotten the monkey off of his back.

[SO MANY GOALS after THE JUMP]

CLICK HERE for Game Recap from Kristy McNeil and other pertinent information and HERE for current Pairwise Rankings.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS (www.collegehockeynews.com)

Forward Notes.

-In the third period, Michigan held a two goal lead, their goalie was playing well, and they’d navigated a crazy penalty-fest…not to mention too many OMRs. For about 12-15 minutes, they just put on a clinic of professionally holding and ending a hockey game. Guys were in the right places, they made fundamental plays with and without the puck, and they executed down to the details. OSU barely had zone time, as Michigan would gather the puck, spread, and break it out for a dump and change. It was just a completely mature ending to a shutout sweep of Ohio State.

-As the Olympians begin to trickle back to Ann Arbor, Michigan’s lines are starting to gel. Johnny Beecher is really starting to pop. He’s making plays in all areas of the ice. He’s using his size and speed very well. Now, the little things are becoming very noticeable. Mackie Samoskevich and Dylan Duke also were very dangerous. Samo is shooting at will. Duke made an amazing deflection in transition as the only guy back on a 4v1. He also got to the net well and forechecked OSU, forcing multiple DZTOs.

-It will be interesting to see the line next weekend. Michigan ran with KJ/Beniers/Brisson for a while to start the second half and it went really well. With Bordeleau/Estapa/Pastujov also starting to pop, going back to that “Hero Line” could work as Michigan is solidifying their depth lines.

-Philippe Lapointe has been scratched for most of the year, but since he started getting on the ice, he’s now scored three goals in five games…including the eventual game-winner. While it wasn’t the most skilled goal, Lapointe has done a great job of getting to the crease and finishing. He’s going to make to take him out of the lineup.

CLICK HERE for Game Recap from Kristy McNeil and other pertinent information and HERE for current Pairwise Rankings.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS (www.collegehockeynews.com)

Forward Notes.

-Michigan sent four of their best players to China to compete for the US and Canada in the Olympics. They still kept plenty of talent in reserve. Michigan State was able to skate with the Wolverines for about a period or so, but that was about it. Alex talked for weeks about State just not being very good. There is truth in them there words. Games against MSU always make me nervous because of their style of play and the “Rivalry Factor.” That was unnecessary on Friday night.

-One of the lines to watch this weekend and next is the Beecher/Samoskevich/Duke line. While the game was in doubt, this was Michigan’s best forward line. Mackie Samoskevich tallied from the point. He also made a quick move to set up Duke in the slot…but he hit the bar. Johnny Beecher also made with his size and speed, getting to the net a couple of times.

-Nolan Moyle sliced the game wide open with a shot from distance, making it 4-0 in the second period. Nick Granowicz created a couple chances for Moyle on that rush, including a back-handed assist that put the puck on a tee for Nolan on his goal. Grano hasn’t got a ton of ice time, but he skated like he belonged on plenty of shifts on Friday. Philippe Lapointe also found the back of the net for his second straight game. Depth scoring coming along for the Wolverines.