Michigan Hockey 17-18, Game #9: Michigan 5, Minnesota 4

This is an appropriate reaction to a game-winning header (Ryan McLoughlin)

OFFENSE

Analysis: This was a very encouraging result from Michigan. While they were slightly out-possessed, Michigan managed to create a lot of chances, especially as the game wore on. They dominated the third period and got into the House with regularity. They do rely a ton on their top two lines and the provided. Cooper Marody looked in control all night, tallying two assists, including a great hold behind the net and then finding a driving Slaker to tie the game. Tony Calderone also drove some play, sniped a corner, and led a 2v1, finding Ol’ Dex, who also sniped a corner. Michigan’s top two lines went against six drafted defensemen and held their own. They took and finished the chances they were given well. This is exactly what this offense needs to do.

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When it comes to skating, there’s Hughes…and there’s Not Exactly (Ryan McLoughlin)

DEFENSE

Analysis: So, I won’t go as far as saying that this was a fantastic defensive performance, but against a talented Minnesota attack, it was acceptable. There was a blip in the third period where some goals were scored and chances created, but for the most part, Michigan kept Minnesota out of the House and to the edges. The numbers were going to come for the Gophers with the talent that they possess, but Michigan hung right with them for the most part and stayed in front of a lot of shots. The fourth goal was a poor clearance that took a bad bounce over LaFontaine. So, while the goal might not have been on the defense, not being able to get the puck out and stay in front of forwards will come back to get you.

Cooper Marody is coming into his own (Ryan McLoughlin)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan did a good job not taking penalties against Minnesota. The Gophers’ first goal was a shot from the point that was deflected behind LaFontaine. That was the only shot that Michigan surrendered down a man. A bit unlucky, but only one shot for Minnesota on the power play is great. On the flip side, Michigan drew four penalties and looked pretty good all night. They also averaged a shot per minute on six power play minutes (two power plays were only a minute long each). They scored in OT on a shot from Lockwood that was saved by Schierhorn right to Alex Roos who FACED home the game-winner. Yay, fortunate bounces!

GOALTENDING

Analysis: This was not a Jack LaFontaine Special by any means. He gave up four goals, but I’m not sure for which one I can fault him. There was a deflection, a goal off a defenseman's skate, a snipe after Boka was toe-dragged, and an unlucky bounce through a couple of defenders and off of his pads. I guess he could make the save on the Novak snipe, but that would have been a fantastic grab. He wasn’t faced with a barrage of shots, but he still made a few game-savers when things were starting to go badly in the second. It will be interesting to see if Lavigne starts tomorrow. I thought after last weekend if JLF looked great, he might get the Saturday start. Tonight was fine, but not amazing. I bet Lavigne starts.

ODD-MAN RUSHES

Analysis: Once again, Michigan is generally sound in this department. They only gave up one odd-man rush. It came to bite them, though, finally. Calderone was outskated by Sheehy down the ice and the puck bounced off of an M skate and just inside the post. It was going to happen eventually. From what I’ve seen, that was the only true OMR goal Michigan has surrendered this season. Very defensively sound against a super-talented team.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

I had: Minnesota 61, Michigan 56

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Minnesota 58, Michigan 56