good offense

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Some of Tony Calderone’s fine work (Bill Rapai)

OFFENSE

 

Corsi

House

Possession %

First Period

17 3 71%

Second Period

14 5 70%

Third Period

19 10 56%

Overtime

n/a n/a n/a

TOTAL

50 18 64%

Analysis: Michigan overpowered an under-talented MSU team, tonight. This was by no means a bombs-away performance, but they controlled the puck against a team that they should dominate. By the third period, Michigan was getting into the slot with ease. Tony Calderone had a day, netting a hat trick. The offense was driven, again, primarily by the top DMC line. This was a desired and expected result. Doing the same tomorrow night will be a good sign.

[After THE JUMP: Full House. On the stat sheet. Look, it's a thing in hockey stats, okay?]

Hey Coop, wanna stick around for a fourth year, too? (Patrick Barron)

OFFENSE

 

Corsi

House

Possession %

First Period

17 7 55%

Second Period

17 4 52%

Third Period

31 11 67%

Overtime

4 1 33%

TOTAL

69 23 57%

Analysis: Michigan has definitely improved their offense this season. Tonight was further evidence of that. There was a spell in the second period where Michigan couldn’t stay out of the penalty box, but aside from that, they pretty much controlled the even-strength play. They created chances all over the ice and scored all four goals at even strength. Cooper Marody has really blossomed to the point that there are whispers in my hockey circle that he might be too good for the collegiate ranks. Tony Calderone has built upon his last couple of years by continuing to snipe and pour in goals. The offense is still only two lines deep, but that top line is starting to turn some heads. No comparisons yet, though, please.

[After THE JUMP: new shot-generating capabilites were present, but so were some bad old habits]

There are too many narratives for this game that can only be summed up in one word (JD Scott)

OFFENSE

 

Corsi

House

Possession %

First Period

14 6 56%

Second Period

11 3 39%

Third Period

19 5 70%

Overtime

8 3 66%

TOTAL

52 17 57%

Analysis: This was such an odd offensive performance again. Michigan tallied 52 attempts on net, though the majority of those came from the edges. I can live with that many shot attempts against a talented Gopher team, for sure. The odd part was more reflected in their ability to put pucks away with their few opportunities from in close. Michigan got deep in the slot or around the crease and scored five times in 15ish chances. That seems a little high to me, especially given that most of those were even strength. Minnesota also seemed to let up a little after stretching their lead to 6-3. Once again, Michigan took advantage of a few breakdowns in Minnesota’s defense. I will also say that it seemed that Michigan has developed two top scoring lines. They’re now a Top-5 offense and Minnesota is included in that sample size. If they can continue this one more week, things will be looking way up.

[After THE JUMP: how the defense fared, switching goaltenders, and winning Corsi]