Michigan Hockey Game #11: Michigan 9, Michigan State 0

OFFENSE

Analysis: That was a Face-Blasting. Michigan just steamrolled the Spartans, completely dominating the puck and creating a myriad of chances. Michigan turned State over in their own end on repeat. State’s defense was horrendous, and Michigan showed no mercy filing the net seven (!!) times at even strength. Drew DeRidder gave up at least two goals that he will want back. Bordeleau scored the first, being left alone in the low slot. Blankenburg and Beecher both beat DeRidder within a couple minutes, and he was done. Mike Pasta scored from close range after another awful DZTO from Sparty. Michigan then dropped goals from Becker, Beniers, and finally Jay Keranen for his first of his career. It was an absolute onslaught on a normally very sound defensive team.

Get on the board, Jay! Looks like you can play! Yay! [James Coller]

DEFENSE

Analysis: Michigan‘s defense was solid if not unremarkable. Michigan State posed almost no threat until late in the second period when the game was 5-0. York did tally three assists; Blankenburg and Keranen also scored. The interesting talking point is Keranen starting over Jack Summers…and looking like he belonged. This is the third time that has happened (one might have been for injury). He has not looked out of place at all, and has held his positioning well. He’s given Pearson no reason to remove him from the lineup. It will be very interesting to see if he skates Saturday afternoon.

[AFTER THE JUMP: Power Plays and Goalie Points] 

KJ looked tantalizing tonight, including finishing another goal on the power play [James Coller]

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan’s power play continued to shine, tallying two goals on five chances. Van Whye scored in front in the second period, and Johnson scored cutting in off of the wing after a great pass from Owen Power. After the first couple opportunities, Michigan started moving the puck a lot better and matching that with skating to open ice. It showed as they created many great chances and probably could have had another goal or two if not for a couple of good saves.

The Wolverines only surrendered two power plays to the Spartans tonight. MSU didn’t do much with their first man advantage, only registering one shot. Their second was a little better, but Strauss and the Michigan Kill were too strong. Michigan definitely won the special teams battle this evening.

“So, I ALSO had two assists, tonight. I have four total in my college career.” –Mann, probably  [JD Scott}

GOALTENDING

Analysis: Strauss Mann started in goal and had very little to do for the first couple of periods. State was limited to only three shots in the first period. He did stone another breakaway in the second stanza, finally getting to get into the game. Michigan sat back a little more in the third frame, and MSU pushed for a goal…but to no avail. Strauss stood strong yet again against the Spartans, notching his third shutout in a row against them. On top of that, he tallied his first two assists of the season, doubling his career total!

ODD MAN RUSHES

Analysis: Michigan gave up one breakaway in the middle of the second period as a puck strayed into the middle of the ice and Charlie Combs broke in on Mann, but Strauss was able to stay in front of his shot. That was the only transition OMR that Michigan surrendered.

The Wolverine speed shined brightly tonight, as they were able to generate three OMRs. Michigan was not able to finish any of them, although Grano had a decent chance on his 2v1.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Michigan 51, Michigan State 36