OFFENSE

Analysis: Michigan started slowly, but picked up the pace as the first period came to a close. Nolan Moyle cut open the scoring finishing a 2v1 after a chip lead pass from Brendan Brisson. He finished short-side against an otherwise-awesome Tommy Nappier. Nappier managed to keep the Buckeyes in the contest for the majority of the game, despite getting no help from his even strength offense. The Wolverines re-established the lead in the third after a great pass from Bordeleau out of the corner to the opposite side of the slot where Brisson went bar down. Eric Ciccolini doubled the lead with a poke-in after a blast from Blankenburg and a kick from Beecher. Moyle carved out an empty-netter to finish the game with his second of the evening. Michigan dominated the puck and chances for the majority of the evening. If they can repeat their control –and stay out of the box- tomorrow, they should put themselves in prime position to earn a clean sweep for the first time since the opening weekend.

[AFTER THE JUMP: Sound defense, good goaltending, and STAY OUT OF THE BOX]

DEFENSE

Analysis: Michigan’s defense continued their consistent protective play. They were mostly able to keep the Buckeyes away from the puck and out of the zone. There were a couple of stretches that were highlighted by some miscues and poor clearances where Ohio State was able to threaten Portillo, but the Wolverines were rarely pinned in their zone for an extended time. Jay Keranan again played for Jack Summers and again looked fine.

“WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?!?!” –Mel, probably [JD Scott]

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan drew two power plays, both coming in the first half of the game. In their first opportunity, the Wolverines moved the puck well and got multiple great looks on net, including two from Philippe Lapointe. Michigan held the zone for their full allotment and did everything but score the puck. On their second chance, they barely got possession in the offensive zone. The difference between their two units is vast. Beniers anchoring the second unit gives them a distinct advantage on entries.

I said going into this game that keeping Ohio State at even strength would be important. After a lackluster first advantage, the Buckeyes scored on their final two man advantages. Both goals came from shots from the point that were redirected near the crease. Ohio State has generally been solid on both sides of special teams recently. So, this was no surprise. It really comes down to not giving them chances…sort of like defending three pointers in basketball. Now…on OSU’s first goal, Mel Pearson challenged that a Buckeye skater was offsides. First look on replay showed very clearly that an OSU skater completely crossed the blue line before the puck…by like 2-3 feet. You could hear the Michigan bench cheering. There was blatant comments on press row that agreed. I had a great tweet queued up…when the refs announced that the goal stood. I have absolutely no idea how that goal was counted. Unreal. The second power play goal came in a 4-1 game with ten seconds left. 

Bork? Bork. [JD Scott]

GOALTENDING

Analysis: Erik Portillo got his first start of his career. He looked pretty good too, overall. Portillo is always willing to come out and play the puck and did so tonight, with relative ease. His rebound control is not Mann’s…so there’s something to work on. He also made a number of good saves, including stoning a breakaway in the first period. Ohio State was not overwhelming for the most part, so he wasn’t called upon to make constant bailout saves. The only goals that beat him were redirects on the power play from right in front of him. That happens. Will be interesting to see who starts on Saturday night.

Slice ‘em and dice ‘em! [JD Scott]

ODD MAN RUSHES

Analysis: Michigan created a single OMR and cashed it in. Brisson fed Moyle then jumped up with him. Nolan eschewed the pass and filled the net on the short-side. It’s been a while since Michigan finished an OMR. Their speed showed brightly tonight.

OSU tallied two OMRs. One was an awesome stretch pass that led to a breakaway that Portillo stoned. The other was a 3v2 that Portillo shielded the rebound to the side. Both of those came early and Michigan was very sound in transition after that.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Michigan 55, Ohio State 34