good finishing

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

What just happened (TL;DR): In what was clearly Michigan’s best single performance of the year, Michigan just dominated and finished Michigan State in all phases on Friday night. The Wolverines got FOUR power play goals, a shorthanded goal, and then two even strength goals to take three points at Munn. Also, apparently sending about eight dudes to the showers early breaks the stats/shot tracking system.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS (www.collegehockeynews.com)

Forward Notes.

-Michigan’s speed, skill, and puck control were turned up to eleven on Friday night at Munn. The Wolverines created chances in transition, cycled the puck, and got shooters open all over the ice. I don’t even need to see actual numbers to feel confident of that. They won this game early, and blew the Spartan doors off late.

-Not to step on the last section, but the Wolverines created bushels of OMRs, finishing two of them. They looked like the more prepared team. Their compete level never waivered. They finished the game without a real letdown.

-Michigan also went with the Hero Line approach, putting Frank Nazar, Gavin Brindley, and Rutger McGroarty all on the same line. It definitely worked tonight. I think it is something that can continue, as long as they produce. Michigan didn’t get any in-zone even strength goals, but won the game on special teams and in transition. Before the injuries, I thought that the Nazar/Schifsky and Brindley/Rutger pairings were two solid lines. Guys can be fit around them, there are plenty of guys for a solid fourth line…then you just need the right combo for the third/depth line. This will be something to monitor going forward.

Defense Notes.

-This was the best defensive performance of the year. After a couple of early bobbles in the opening minutes, Michigan State never really truly threatened at even strength (aside from a couple of giveaways that will be discussed soon). The Wolverines also kept their House clean. They cleared loose pucks and rebounds. These were the sticking points during the first half that just never seemed to get adjusted. It’s only one game, but it was against a very dangerous offensive team. Michigan just shut them down. Do it again.

-One point that must be talked about a little bit is Jacob Truscott. Ugh, he is the one guy who almost got MSU back into the game. He had at least 3-4 very poor giveaways that probably should have lead to at least a goal. Jake Barczewski came up massive on the most egregious one. Truscott was never the most dangerous offensive defenseman, so holding his own in his end needs to be where he makes his hay. He’s been a very solid player throughout his career, so he should hopefully bounce back. Just not his best night.

-Watching Seamus Casey with the puck is probably my favorite part of this team. They definitely have some Dudes, but Casey skating, creating, and vision are maybe the best combination that I’ve seen wear the Block M. It was on display again on Friday night with a super slick set up to Dylan Duke and just another smooth toe-drag to create space for his goal. Just special with the puck. He also made a couple of very nice noticeable defensive plays, as well!

-Ethan Edwards played against a real opponent for the first time since Tampa, last Spring. He didn’t look out of place, but didn’t do anything extraordinary either. That’s fine. It will come. Having him back should only be a boon for the team.

-Steve Holtz rag-dolled Artyom Levshunov in a fake college hockey fight. That was an enjoyable watch.

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

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS (www.collegehockeynews.com)

Forward Notes.

-Mel Pearson definitely jumbled his lines, tonight, breaking up Brendan Brisson and Thomas Bordeleau. He also split up Garrett Van Whye and Nolan Moyle, upon Moyle’s incision back into the lineup. Nick Granowicz also dressed as the extra skater…and it almost came back to bite him (not really though) after Keaton Pehrson’s return was cut short due a game misconduct penalty. More on that later…

-Brendan Brisson was given a gift goal after Liam Souliere fumbled the puck to him just out of the crease. Brisson did have a sweet backhand finish up high top open the scoring. His traditional linemate (yet, not tonight) also scored his first goal since the third period of the Minnesota State game. Bordeleau walked into the slot and picked a corner.

-Dylan Duke tallied another assist off of a deft pass to a charging Luke Hughes. It was a tricky dish through a defenseman. Dylan has really come along the last few games playing a role in a number of goals. His forecheck created another chance, tonight, too. Good things appear to be on the horizon for him.

-Overall, Penn State had more shots and chances, but Michigan definitely had better ones and they have the definitive skill to finish those chances. Penn State does not.

-Kent Johnson added FOUR more assists #EyeballEmoji. He now leads the country in scoring with 20 points in 12 games.

[More Breakdown after THE JUMP]

OFFENSE

Analysis: Michigan played keep away with the puck for almost 45 minutes tonight. Ohio State was able to skate with Michigan for the first 5-10 minutes of the game (and they had a major power play in the third), but after that, the game was all but over. The Wolverines took the puck and put it in their collective pocket, skating all over the offensive zone and firing from the slot and House at will. Luke Morgan received a great drop pass from Kent Johnson and fired a shot off of Cam York at the back post for the patented Morgan & York goal for the Wolverines' second goal. Michigan also finished an OMR goal…but more on that later. Against the hapless Buckeyes, it was a firework fest for the Ann Arborites.

[AFTER THE JUMP: Another shutout for Strauss and fun on special teams]