OFFENSE

Analysis: Michigan played keep away with the puck for almost 45 minutes tonight. Ohio State was able to skate with Michigan for the first 5-10 minutes of the game (and they had a major power play in the third), but after that, the game was all but over. The Wolverines took the puck and put it in their collective pocket, skating all over the offensive zone and firing from the slot and House at will. Luke Morgan received a great drop pass from Kent Johnson and fired a shot off of Cam York at the back post for the patented Morgan & York goal for the Wolverines' second goal. Michigan also finished an OMR goal…but more on that later. Against the hapless Buckeyes, it was a firework fest for the Ann Arborites.

[AFTER THE JUMP: Another shutout for Strauss and fun on special teams]

U20 Captain America collaborated with Luke Morgan for the Ann Arbor Special: Morgan & York goal [James Coller]

DEFENSE

Analysis: Once again, albeit against a lackluster offense, Michigan’s defense was in Lockdown Mode. Keaton Pehrson made one poor DZTO early on, but after that it was mostly smooth sailing in and around the Wolverine end. The Buckeyes got a few attempts, but they were mostly held to the perimeter. Michigan had a bad few minutes against MSU in early January, they got run a bit by the Badgers in mid February…and that’s about it for subpar defense in the New Year. Better offenses are to come, for sure, but the unit has done a 180 in the last few months and have become a pillar of strength heading into the most crucial part of the season.

Another BrissBOMB on the power play, tonight [James Coller]

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan’s first power play was…efficient. They moved the puck around the perimeter nicely, holding the zone for about a minute. Finally, York dished Brisson around the dot, and he beat Nappier to open the scoring. The Wolverines didn’t have the puck in the zone quite as often on their next advantage, but they generated a couple of bombs, headlined by KJ’s rocket after a crisp Owen Power cross.

Michigan did not take a penalty until halfway into the third period, when Luke Morgan face-masked a dude in a scrum behind the net. He then received a ten minute game misconduct. Michigan managed to kill the five minute Buckeye advantage. Ohio State had a few attempts from the House, but most came from distance. Only one penalty against a struggling offensive team is ideal.

Not his biggest challenge but shutout #5 on the season for Strauss the Mann [David Nasternak]

GOALTENDING

Analysis: Strauss Mann started in net…and did not have a ton to do, for the most part. He did, however, have to make a big save early on after a lazy DZTO from Pehrson led to the Buckeyes' best chance of the period. Mann did have a couple scrambles in the second frame, as OSU managed to get down the slot a couple of times, but each time he was equal to their advances. Strauss stood tall in the third period, making a handful of saves during the Buckeyes Last Stand, all-you-can-eat power play.

ODD MAN RUSHES

Analysis: Michigan’s speed was on display in transition all evening. They garnered three OMRs in the first period, but could not challenge Nappier. Captain Jack had a golden chance from the slot on a 4v2, but he could not connect on a shot. Finally, the Wolverines were able to break through when Ohio State garbled a change on a neutral zone turnover. Eric Ciccolini did the honors finishing the 3v1.

Michigan did not give Ohio State an opportunity in transition.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS
I had: Michigan 60 (30), Ohio State 29 (9)

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Michigan 59, Ohio State 30