**Again, no shot charts makes David’s charts very blank**

OFFENSE

Analysis: The scoreboard looked different, but the game was pretty much the same. The puck didn’t go into the net as often (which happens in this bouncy sport), but Michigan dominated chances, possession, and long stretches of play in general. Kent Johnson buried a big rebound after intense pressure. Eric Ciccolini cut to the dot and finished a one-timer after Matty Beniers skated multiple circles around the offensive end. Johnny Beecher left the game early after a big shot where he stayed down on the ice. He’s a big part of the offense, centering the top line, and the offense didn’t skip a beat. The depth is unlike any I remember at Michigan. 72% possession at a high volume is bonkers.

Keaton Pehrson quietly had a very nice series on the backend (James Coller)

DEFENSE

Analysis: The best defense is a good offense? Perhaps. Michigan just kept the puck the entire time. As seen above, they didn’t finish at their absurd rate from Saturday’s contest, so the game looked a lot closer on the scoreboard. It wasn’t really. Every once in a while, the Wolverines would have a gaffe or be out of position and the Ice Devils would have a semi-decent chance to score, but that was mostly it. Jay Keranen started in place of Jack Summers. After a bit of a nervy shift, he looked like he belonged. Owen Power continued to flash ability. His skating and reach are both crazy. The team hustles back and doesn’t leave attackers alone. But…that also helps when the opponent so rarely has the puck.

And another improved player in Jimmy Lambert tallying on the Power Play (James Coller)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan had two different 5v3s and scored on neither of them. However, they could have scored about 3-4 times on each one. Each power play (except the 4th, I believe) was extremely dangerous: moving the puck, creating open shots, tiring out penalty killers. They missed the net, forced great saves, and had the puck jump off of a couple sticks. Yesterday was what happens when everything goes perfectly (3/4). Tonight was creating the same chances with unfortunate results (1/5). If Michigan had a 20% power play scoring rate either of the last two seasons, they would have won the league. This year, we’ll be unfairly disappointed.

On the flip side, Michigan must have angrily read my single critique of their penalty parade last night and only gave the Ice Devils three man advantages…and only two total shots. I think they also drew iron once. The Kill did not produce plural breakaways, though, not living up their ridiculous standard of the previous contest. Regardless, I only remember one great Ice Devil chance and Strauss Mann thundered it away into the corner with his left pad. That was it for Team Tempe.

Steady as she goes (James Coller)

GOALTENDING

Analysis: Just another Mannly game from Strauss. He didn’t have a whole lot to do, for the most part. Michigan had a few breakdowns every now and then and he was called upon to make a save…and he did. I don’t think there were any that were too dangerous (a great left pad denial late), except for a couple in traffic. This has just become the norm in the Michigan crease. I suppose Portillo will have to play at some point, but…there is almost no way he can do better than what we’ve seen.

ODD MAN RUSHES

Analysis: There were DZTOs, forechecks, even man rushes, but I did not see any true OMRs

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Michigan 65, Arizona State 25