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

What just happened (TL;DR): In a game that Michigan mostly controlled at even strength, garnering many more dangerous chances that Penn State, it took extra hockey to decide it. Mackie Samoskevich strode into the zone, curled into the high slot and sniped a game-winner above Liam Souliere, who played the game of his life. Michigan had great chances all evening, but just could not both beat Souliere and get the chance on frame. Each team tallied on the power play to get the game to OT. Then, it was Mackie Time…

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS (www.collegehockeynews.com)

	Total Attempts	Even Strength	Power Play	Close (within 1)	Even Strength %
Penn State	64	61	3	52	48%
Michigan	86	66	20	48	52%

Forward Notes.

-While the even strength corsi attempts are relatively even, the eye test says that the dangerous chances mostly favored Michigan. They also got many more attempts on frame. Penn State got most of their best looks in transition (more later). The Wolverines were dangerous from the drop, creating a Grade A chance on the first shift. While they did struggle at times, the game felt like Michigan left plenty of goals on the table. Perhaps, when the Dentists left town on Friday, they stole Michigan’s regulation finishing.

-Alex mentioned early…and it never really changed –the Adam Fantilli line was just dominant. Between Adam, Rutger McGroarty, and Gavin Brindley, the Wolverines just pummeled Penn State’s defense, turning they over in zone, cycling to hold possession, and even pushing them back to get chances in transition. It seemed like they generated a Grade A chance every other time they were on the ice. They just could not finish like they did on Friday. That’s hockey. 

-Mackie Samoskevich now has a place as a Michigan Legend getting the first Wolverine NCAA Tournament OT game-winner since Tyler Motte in 2016.

Defense Notes.

-Overall, I thought Michigan’s in-zone defense was really good. All three pairings generally kept the Ice Lions to the perimeter and rarely allowed a Grade A chance that put Erik Portillo on the spot. Jay Keranen and Ethan Edwards both made very nice plays in their own end all night. Obviously there were occasional breakdowns, but, again, that’s hockey. If the team plays that kind of defense against a high scoring unit, Michigan’s chances for getting more victories this season increase tremendously.

-This was not Luke Hughes best game. While he did do well moving the puck and getting across lines, he also had a few brutal turnovers that lead to some OMRs going the other way. He also played a role on the goal allowed, failing to get a clear, and then not picking up the rebounder after Portillo came out to make the original save. Luke has had a number of dazzling moments in Maize and Blue and had games that dragged a struggling Michigan team to victories. This game was a little further down the list, though.

 

This Guy (David Wilcomes)

 

SPECIAL TEAMS CHART

	PP Opportunities	PP Corsi For	PP Shots/Minute
Penn State	1/1	3	4 (2/.5)
Michigan	1/4	20	1.71 (12/7)

Power Play. Michigan was really good all night on their power plays. They moved the puck really well and created plenty of chances. They also got quite a few of them on net. However, they did struggle with a handful of cross-ice releases that had open nets waiting for them. TJ Hughes, Adam Fantilli, and Mackie Samoskevich all got really nice looks, but hesitated just a tick, and Souliere was able to close the opening. Adam Fantilli finally got Mackie an open look in the slot. The rebound bounced past Rutger McGroarty where Adam Fantilli was waiting. He drove in and finished inside the post in almost no space. It was an unreal shot. He’s the best player in college hockey regardless of what anyone else or any awards say.

Penalty Kill. Somehow, Michigan only had to kill one penalty. Unfortunately, they could not do so. Luke Hughes failed to clear; they lost a battle on the boards; Frank Nazar could not get his clearing attempt past Paul DeNaples at the point; Luke Hughes couldn’t block Berger’s BLAST, then didn’t tie up Connor MacEachern for the open net rebound. If any of those things is better, the goal doesn’t go in. It isn’t one guy’s fault; it was a perfect storm.

Honestly, while Michigan was the better team and drove more play, drawing calls, they also got a fortunate-to-positive whistle. I kept waiting for more PSU power plays…that never came. Huh.

 

 

Usually Erik Portillo goes here, but Liam Souliere played really well and gave Penn State a chance to win in regulation (David Wilcomes)

GOALTENDING CHART

	Michigan Shots Faced (House)	Penn State Shots Faced (House)
First Period	14	14
Second Period	8	11
Third Period	10	16
Overtime	0	2
TOTAL	32	43

Notes. Erik Portillo is either figuring a lot of stuff out or peaking at just the right time. Once again, he was very, very good in net. He came out to challenge the eventual goal and saved the initial BLAST. He stoned Simon Mack on a breakaway (spoiler alert). Also…he just did All of The Small Things really well. Portillo has gotten lost in his own details many times this season. Not tonight, though. He was exactly what Michigan needed all game long.

 

Mr. Portillo came up huge on a breakaway (David Wilcomes)

ODD MAN RUSH CHART

Defense	Rushes	Advs	Escape%	Offense	Rushes	Advs	Scoring%
1st Period	2	4v2, 2v1	100%		1	2v1	0%
2nd Period	2	3v2, 2v1	100%		n/a	n/a	n/a
3rd Period	1	2v1	100%		n/a	n/a	n/a
OT	n/a	n/a	n/a		n/a	n/a	n/a
Total	5	4v2, 3v2, 2v1 x3	100%		1	2v1	0%

Notes. This was the majority of the Penn State offense. The one nit to pick with the Wolverines was giving up chances in transition. However, when you hold the puck in the offensive zone for a lot of the time, it’s bound to happen. Five times is still probably a bit much, though. Michigan did get back to disrupt a number of chances. Gavin Brindley hustled back to negate a 2v1. The Wolverines also broke up a couple of others. Penn State did get a 2v1 that turned into a 1v0, but Erik Portillo shut down Simon Mack.

Like previously stated, it’s hard to get a lot of OMRs when you generally have the puck –and in the offensive zone at that. Gavin Brindley got into the slot on a 2v1, but Liam Souliere made an unreal stick save to deflect the great chance into the netting.

 

Back to Back Frozen Fours (David Wilcomes)

FINAL THOUGHTS

For the second straight year –and third time in five tournaments- Michigan is heading to the Frozen Four. They were unquestionably the best team in the Regional in Allentown for the second straight year. While Sunday night wasn't the smoothest of games, they generated plenty, fought through adversity, rallied to tie late, and then won the game with a superior shot. They also gave up two goals on the weekend. That is checking an awful lot of boxes on the Can This Team Do It? List. Sounds like really good preparation, coaching, and player execution.

Also…JUST LIKE FOOTBALL!