OFFENSE

Analysis: Through two periods, Michigan was in a 50/50 Corsi battle with the high-powered Lions. They were also up four goals to none. Penn State is known for their shoot-first, shoot-second, shoot-EVERYTIME approach, but the Wolverines did a nice job of pushing the out of the slot, especially after a Lions-dominated first period. In the second period, Michigan attacked Penn State’s leaky defense, forcing buckets of DZTOs and then converting them. In the span of 52 seconds, Michigan converted two OMRs and Lockwood finished a swat-fest in the crease, started by the Pasta Bros. That was all they needed. The Wolverines sat deep in the third and protected their large lead, adding a Cecconi-esque empty-netter courtesy of Garrett Van Wyhe.

DEFENSE

Analysis: As previously mentioned, Penn State looked the part in the opening period but could not beat Lavigne. Michigan’s defense was their forecheck in the second half, not allowing the Lions out of their own end and burying them in chances and goals. Once they got the lead, Michigan went in Lockdown Mode and allowed very little. Penn State did get a few chances, but their Grade A looks were severely limited. Michigan has needed this defense all year and they look like they might finally be starting to do it consistently. 

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Evan Barratt goes for a ride [James Coller]

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan had three man advantages tonight. They looked blah on one chance, very threatening on another, and scored on their middle chance. Lambert got the puck off of the boards and pushed it across the slot to a waiting, open Slaker, who beat Autio far side. Michigan is going to need their power play to be dangerous in the coming weeks, and it got off to a nice start tonight.

Penn State entered the game with a power play conversion rate of 26%. Michigan limited them to three shots on target tonight. The Wolverines' Killers blocked many an attempt and mostly kept the Lions on the edges of the zone. Huge special teams night for Michigan. Winning the man advantages is quite a boost for this team.

GOALTENDING

Analysis: Hayden Lavigne started in net again and looked fantastic. Sure, his defense blocked a lot of attempts and there were a few misses, but his positioning was excellent. He also generally controlled rebounds well. I even distinctly remember him making plays away from the crease with his stick and skates. He looks as comfortable as I’ve seen him look in net right now. The only goal was a pass from behind the net that went in via Boka’s skate. #shruggie

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'Bout time to load an arrow [James Coller]

ODD-MAN RUSHES

Analysis: I did not see Michigan give up an OMR. There were a few almost-OMRs, but the odd man was never utilized or the puck went into the corner, etc. Great, disciplined defense from the Wolverines against an explosive offense.

On the other hand, Michigan generated three breakaways and scored on two of them. Raabe finished his; Blankenburg got in alone and after his initial shot was saved, Boka tapped in the rebound; Moyle also had a chance, but his shot was denied.

Keys for M scoring for the rest of the year: take advantage of OMRs, utilize the power play, and force DZTOs. Check, check, and check!

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

I had: Penn State 58, Michigan 48

www.collegehockeynews.com had:  Penn State 60, Michigan 50