CLICK HERE for Game Recap from Kristy McNeil and other pertinent information.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS (www.collegehockeynews.com)

Forward Notes.

-Well, it certainly is nice to have those high-end picks back in the lineup. Kent Johnson, Matty Beniers, and Brendan Brisson were stacked on the top line and that certainly had a huge payoff. Just a few minutes into the game, KJ hit Brisson in the slot, and he buried his chance bar down. They created looks all night, and forced several DZTOs. Late in the third, one of those chances occurred, and Brisson returned the favor to KJ for a dunk and the lead. The trio tallied their third goal after a bad NZTO that lead to Beniers and Brisson finishing a 2v1…Brendan’s second of the game.

-While he didn’t score, Mackie Samoskevich had a few very nice looks at the net. He looked dangerous on the power play, going to the net and just missing a snipe from the slot. He also had a couple of shots in space. This will be a good game to build upon.

-Mark Estapa played on the fourth line with Van Whye and Moyle. He fits in really well there, and showed that again on Saturday. He drew a penalty, got to the net and created havoc, and had a few tight skilled passes to keep play moving forward. After being scratched early on in the season, he’s becoming a Bottom Six fixture for the Wolverines.

-Just a lineup note: Thomas Bordeleau missed another game. Jacob Truscott also did not dress for Michigan. Also, Matt Murray (Not That Matt Murray) had a great game in net for UMass, giving them a chance to steal a win. He posted 37 saves…a few away from a career high.

Defense Notes.

-While the Minutemen did get a lot of looks from the House, not many of them seemed to be unchecked or wide open. Michigan’s in-zone defense gave Erik Portillo a good look at shots and cleared away most of the loose garbage around the net. While there were a few gaffes, the pairings all played pretty well. That is what Michigan will need going forward to compete against well-drilled teams. This was another good effort building off of the defensive job they put up against Michigan Tech.

-Again, Ethan Edwards made little plays here and there. His skating already give him the upper hand. Obviously, Luke Hughes is a thrill to watch. He created a few chances with his speed and puck control. Nick Blankenburg jumped into the play a number of times, as well, looking dangerous. Steve Holtz appeared to leave the game early after dressing for the first time in about a month. It will be interesting to see his status for Sunday.

SPECIAL TEAMS CHART

Power Play. In their first two power plays, Michigan created two nice looks for Mackie Samoskevich. First, he lost a guy in the corner and drive the net, but his attempt flittered wide. He was also the recipient of a great tic-tac-toe chance from a wide open slot. That also went wide. UMass did a good job of limiting a reloaded Wolverine powerplay, overall, though.

Penalty Kill. While Erik Portillo did make a handful of good saves, the story remains Johnny Beecher creating offensive transition chances despite being down a man. Finally, in the third period, Beecher was able to explode of out the zone and shield off a defender en route to an open net. Perhaps that will get him going. In their own end, Michigan did a decent job funneling Minutemen to places where Portillo could kill the advantages.

Just another day at the office for Erik Portillo (James Coller)

GOALTENDING CHART

Notes. Once again, Erik Portillo occupied the crease for Michigan. Once again, he turned in another steady performance. This was highlighted by a diving, dramatic superman push in the first period to knock the puck out of a dangerous area next to the crease. He also positioned himself well, making quite a number of saves by taking away angles and space from the Minutemen shooters. He was beaten late in the first after a bit of shoddy defense in and around his net. After that, though, he put on a show. There were very few rebounds, tonight, as well. Great night in net for Portillo…again.

Go, Johnny, Go Go (James Coller)

ODD MAN RUSH CHART

Notes. Rue the day. Michigan had many chances in transition to break a deadlock, but just could not get it done. Johnny Beecher fired in on two short-handed breakaways, but both chances were bested by Minutemen goalie Matt Murray. KJ also rang the post on a 2v1 with Brisson. Blankenburg had a Grade A down the slot, too. Finally, in the third period, the Wolverines were able to ice the game when KJ sprang Beniers and Brisson and Brendan beat Matt Murray to make it 3-1.

Michigan gave up ZERO OMRs on Saturday. And there was much rejoicing!

FINAL THOUGHTS

This was a great win for Michigan. They played a talented, well-coached team and executed in every phase of the game. After the chances seemed even over the first two periods, the Wolverines took over in the third and overran a very good opponent. They also battened down the hatches in the defensive end, and Portillo sealed the Crease. Michigan also created many chances in transition and should have put the game away earlier. Despite not doing that, they stayed with it, and out-executed the Minutemen down the stretch. Tomorrow seems like a great opportunity to back up this performance. 4pm on ESPNU.