OFFENSE

Analysis: This is a game where not having shot charts is frustrating. Looking at the numbers, it seems that Minnesota out-possessed and out-created Michigan. However, I would bet Michigan got just as many if not more high danger looks. The Wolverines took a while to get going, but once they got through the first period, Michigan took it to Minnesota and finished their chances. Kent Johnson had a SportsCenter Top 10 goal with a backhanded roofer. Jack Summers was abandoned at the dot and bombed a quick feed from Beniers to extend the lead to 3-1. After the Gophers tightened the game late, Beniers fired a shot at Lafontaine and Granowicz slammed home the rebound to recapture a two goal lead. That was a terrific response from a team that could have just turtled and tried to just reach the end. Instead they came right back and won the game early.

[AFTER THE JUMP: Yay goalie and special teams] 

​Jack Summers joined the scoring with a blast from the dot [James Coller]

DEFENSE

Analysis: The Wolverines started a little slow in their own end, ceding chances to the charging Gophers. Mann held the fort, they killed the penalty, and the Wolverines' defense regrouped in the second period. They held Minnesota shot-less for the first eight minutes of the middle frame. Michigan gave up two goals on Friday and both were the results of long, extended shifts. The first was the result of some slop in front of Mann and a failed clear. The latter was similar, but Sampo Ranta sniped a corner, as well. He’s very good. While Minnesota did amp up the pressure in the third, the defense didn’t break down and force Mann to save the game late. They held their own and didn’t give the Gophers too many great chances. There were also quite a few blocked shots, showing ideal positioning.

​Another power play tally for Thomas Bordeleau [James Coller]

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan drew two power plays in the first period. Eric Ciccolini rang the bar after a great cross-slot pass. Nick Blankenburg also walked down the wing and buried a shot into Lafontaine. Michigan was probably unlucky to score on their first chance, but only a few seconds into their second man advantage, a double-deflected bounce found itself on Thomas Bordeleau’s stick. He quickly beat Lafontaine inside the near post. That was all the Wolverines got on their power plays…but it ended up being all that they needed.

Michigan started the game on the wrong foot, taking two penalties in the first few minutes. The Gophers were buzzing, generating plenty of chances, but Strauss Mann stood strong and hauled the Wolverines through the first period, especially on the Kill. They only took one more penalty (of consequence), and while the Gophers didn’t score on it, they did strand the Wolverine Killers on the ice for a while, leading to a goal. Overall, Michigan didn’t give up a goal…and they didn’t take too many penalties. Good enough.

​The eyes have it [JD Scott]

GOALTENDING

Analysis: Strauss Mann started on a “Friday” for the first time in quite a while. It was a good thing, too, because Minnesota came out firing. Strauss stood his ground and carried Michigan until they could get their skates under them. He was great on the Kill and at even strength. Mann’s moment came in the third period after a cross-crease pass. He went post to post and got his stick on a Ranta Should Have Been Goal. It was only a matter of time before Strauss took over again. I assume he’ll start tomorrow. Erik Portillo has been as good as advertised, and if Michigan needed him to play, they would be in great shape. But…this is Strauss Mann’s net. I imagine it will be for the remainder of the season.

ODD MAN RUSHES

Analysis: Michigan generated one 3v2 chance right off of their penalty kill…and for their first shot on goal of the night. Alas, it was saved.

Minnesota manufactured their own 3v2 and Mann made a tremendous post-to-post save on a Should Have Been goal. Wowza!

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Minnesota 50, Michigan 34