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

What just happened (TL;DR): Boston had better chances for most of the game. Michigan got lost in their own zone and on the penalty kill too often. When they finally started pouring in chances in the third, Vinny Duplessis made save after save down the stretch. Transition was also a problem for the Wolverines getting out-chanced 3-0 and giving up another goal. This is not quite a crash-back-to-reality game, but it does show that there are issues to fix on multiple areas defensively.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS (www.collegehockeynews.com)

Forward Notes.

-For most of the game, BU carried play at 5v5. The Wolverines struggled with the physical style that Boston brought. They couldn’t get much going in or around the crease until the second half of the third period. Once they did, the Wolverines did create chances aplenty to tie the game, but a very good effort from Terrier backup Vinny Duplessis stifled anything put on frame…after his first period whoopsie.

-TJ Hughes and Mark Estapa both made some plays tonight. Estapa and Rutger McGroarty both bumped up a couple lines and garner a few chances, too. Alex and I debated TJ Hughes before the season, but it seems like he’s already earned his spot in the lineup. His goal was soft from Duplessis, but he needs to keep getting shots on net.

Defense Notes.

-All evening, Michigan was sloppy in their own zone. Too many times they turned the puck over, hanging Portillo out to dry. Loose passes, failed clears, and dangerous chances were the story of the game at 5v5 for Michigan. On the HockeyCast, we talked about the defense being the strong-suit, carrying them until their offense starts to gel. Looks like it might have to be the other way around.

Dylan Duke Dunk is becoming a thing (Patrick Barron)

SPECIAL TEAMS CHART

Power Play. By the numbers, Michigan did pretty well on their power play chances. They scored a very well-worked goal on a cross ice pass that led to an open TJ Hughes in the slot. After a Duplessis save, Dylan Duke dunked the rebound. They also came very close to scoring multiple times on the last two power plays that would have tied the game. On the negative side, Michigan did have a 5v3 for 40 seconds, but never really generated a Grade A chance. One of four is usually good enough, though.

Penalty Kill. Not the best night on the PK for the Wolverines. On the first advantage, BU holds the zone for most of the two minutes, but Erik Portillo makes three big saves. Michigan killed the second with ease. BU scored on the third advantage after Portillo moved the wrong way, but Domenick Fensore was allowed to shoot wide open from straightaway. Somehow, all four PKers drifted into the corner, leaving Matt Brown all alone in front for the eventual game-winner on the fourth man advantage. Unfortunately, a bit of this was tied to Michigan’s sloppiness on defense as well. The chickens finally came home to roost. The biggest takeway is not taking as many silly offensive zone penalties and giving away five power plays.

Pucks beat Erik Portillo three times, but not all because of him (Patrick Barron)

GOALTENDING CHART

Notes. Erik Portillo once again played a very encouraging game. Michigan’s defense was sloppy in zone all around him for most of the game, but he kept the Wolverines in it all game. He showed off a perfectly timed poke check. Erik also used the blocker saving a 2v1 in the third period. He also flashed about 3-4 pad kick saves, getting across from one side to the other, impressively. He did go the wrong way on a power play shot from straightaway, taking himself out of position on the Terriers second goal. That was his only real gaffe of the night. Portillo had no chance on the first and third goals, both coming from right outside the crease.

ODD MAN RUSH CHART

Notes. Once again, Michigan is done in by chances in transition. Erik Portillo came up huge on a couple of them, but Eric Ciccolini and Keaton Pehrson were late back and an easy slip pass from behind the net led to a tap-in. The OMR count is getting a bit high, and it’s only the fourth game.

Michigan did not register a chance in transition.

FINAL THOUGHTS

In the end, a split is probably not a terrible thing. Friday was so weird it was tough to predict what would happen on Sunday. BU came out with urgency and baited the Wolverines into a physical penalty-fest. That is the opposite of how Michigan wants to play, and BU worked it well. They are also a really good team that took it to the Wolverines in their own end. Michigan did fight back in the third, but just could not find the net in time to equalize. Eh, so goes hockey. This was a good measuring stick. It’s good to know where to improve. Next weekend sees Michigan go to Lake State on Friday and Saturday. 7pm and 6pm, respectively.