“Any more goals yet?” [JD Scott]

[Ed. A- David DMed me about this piece late last night and I didn't see them until now, so the front-page tardiness is on me. Should still get you ready for tonight's game at LCA, though]

OFFENSE

Analysis: I’ve never seen such a discrepancy in even strength attempts in a period. MSU did have a long power play early, but Michigan controlled most of the game at even strength. The story of the game was Lethemon making saves and Michigan skaters just not finishing. The Wolverines created chances all night and got pucks to the net from all over the ice, including the House area and low slot. They just could not beat Lethemon. Aside from a handful of games this year, Michigan has generally been able to create looks, but their finishing has consistently been suspect. For the first half of the season, the DMC line carried them, but even that production has dropped,as defenses have been able to prepare for them; Michigan has also drawn higher-quality goaltending. Nothing exemplifies that better than tonight’s game.

[Hit THE JUMP for more]

Quinn Hughes was the offense and defense tonight [Bill Rapai]

DEFENSE

Analysis: Once again, Michigan’s defense was more than sufficient to win the game. Spoiler says they had one breakdown in a 3v2 that led to a goal, but aside from that, the defense kept attempts at a minimum and generally far from the net. Michigan State is not very talented at forward and their style does not usually yield a high percentage in corsi. Regardless, Michigan all but shut them out and severely limited their chances at even strength. Quinn Hughes had a spectacular goal off individual skill, creating Michigan’s lone tally.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan had one penalty kill tonight, but it was a big one. Joseph Cecconi hit Jake Smith up high and was disqualified as a result. Michigan killed the resulting five-minute major. MSU did register a shot on seven attempts. Michigan did a great job of not giving the game away by forcing their much-maligned penalty kill onto the ice for the rest of the game, though.

The Wolverines had two power plays on the evening. While their first opportunity wasn’t very memorable, their second created a few more chances and came close to winning them the game. It did not, however, as the "not finishing" theme bled over to Michigan’s special teams.

GOALTENDING

Analysis: For the most part, Hayden Lavigne didn’t have a lot to do. He only faced 18 shots. Lavigne was still a little shaky at times, leaving some rebounds and having to scramble to cover from time to time. He was also ocassionally great, bailing Michigan’s defense out a few times.

I think the biggest takeaway from this night is that it looks like Michigan has made the decision to ride with Lavigne for the rest of this season (barring an huge event). If there was ever a thought of giving JLF another shot, it would have been after the last game. I semi-expected JLF to get a look, but it was all Hayden Lavigne tonight…and I would guess for the rest of this season.

ODD-MAN RUSHES

Analysis: Michigan dominated this game but got burned on a 3v2 OMR. It took a patient Hirose to find Carson Gatt just above the goalline and he put the puck behind Lavigne. It was probably going to take a play in transition or a power play goal for MSU to turn the tide of this game, and that is what happened. All three of Michigan’s OMRs surrendered were 3v2 with both defensemen back, though.

Michigan created two great OMR chances. Raabe came in alone but had the puck roll off of his stick before he could get take a shot. Slaker and Norris also entered on a 2v1 with a chance to give Michigan the lead again, but Lethemon made another of his game-changing saves. That pretty much summed up Michigan’s finishing tonight.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

I had: Michigan 55(20), Michigan State 27(10)

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