OFFENSE

	Corsi	House	Possession %
First Period	21	6	50%
Second Period	11	4	38%
Third Period	15	5	37%
Overtime	n/a	n/a	n/a
TOTAL	47	15	42%

• Analysis: This was an odd game for Michigan’s offense. They took control early and finished a couple of chances. Then, Western finished the period well, despite not scoring. The second period was almost the same. Once it was three (and then four) to zero, the game was done and the Wolverines just needed to manage the game. And they did for the most part. The encouraging takeaway is the three even-strength goals that Michigan tallied. They also had a few other chances –especially early- that would have finished the game not too long after it began. Johnny Beecher looked very strong on the puck again. It seems like only a matter of time before he’s the #1 center. Close corsi was 12-6 in favor of Michigan.

[After THE JUMP: breaking down the defense, goaltending, and special teams]

DEFENSE

	Corsi	House	Possession %
First Period	21	8	50%
Second Period	18	9	62%
Third Period	26	13	63%
Overtime	n/a	n/a	n/a
TOTAL	65	30	58%

• Analysis: It’s tough to rag too much on a defense that has not allowed a goal in two of their last three games. Spoiler alert: Michigan cleaned up a few of their OMRs (perhaps due a a few lineup switches?), but they did still allow a volume of attempts. Now, some of that was game context. Michigan held a two goal lead for 52+ minutes. They did seem to let up toward the end of periods, and Western got a flurry of chances in the back halves of the first and second periods. Still, they’re sweeping loose pucks out of the slot, breaking out (mostly) well, and not allowing many open attackers. Granted, not the best competition, but they took care of the job in front of them.

 

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PK might be starting to come around [Coller]

SPECIAL TEAMS

	PP For	PP Against	PP Corsi For	PP Corsi Against	PP Shots/Min For	PP Shots/Min Against
First Period	0/1	n/a	4	n/a	.5(1/2)	n/a
Second Period	1/3	0/2	4	6	.2(1/5)	1.25(5/4)
Third Period	0/2	n/a	1	n/a	0(0/4)	n/a
Overtime	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
TOTAL	1/6	0/2	9	6	.18(2/11)	1.25(5/4)

• Analysis: Michigan moved the puck well on one power-play sequence and Slaker unloaded a bomb from the dot that Nick Pastujov rebounded home. Other than that, though, it was the struggling Wolverine power play, just trying to gain and sustain the zone. Despite the few goals, this is till a main area of concern for Michigan. Enough other parts of their team are looking encouraging that a dangerous power play could elevate the team’s overall ceiling. The penalty kill has been solid overall this season and the Broncos lived up to the 5% scoring rate on the year. Western created a few quality chances but nothing consistent at all. This has been the second most encouraging aspect of the Michigan hockey team, so far.

 

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Worth the price of admission [Coller]

GOALTENDING

	Shots Faced	Shots from House Faced
First Period	10	4
Second Period	13	7
Third Period	13	9
Overtime	n/a	n/a
TOTAL	36	20

• Analysis: Has there been a game this season where Mann has not played the best of anyone on the ice? Tonight was no exception. He wasn’t asked to stop a bunch of Grade A chances, but he stopped a few in addition to his normal controlling of mediocre attempts. Strauss is moving super well, shading rebounds to the corners, and tracking the puck beautifully. Watching him play is very enjoyable.

 

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Moyle got Michigan’s first OMR goal of the season [Coller]
 

ODD-MAN RUSHES

Defense	Rushes	Advs	Escape%	Offense	Rushes	Advs	Scoring%
1st Period	1	4v3	100%		2	2v1 x2	50%
2nd Period	1	1v0	100%		n/a	n/a	n/a
3rd Period	n/a	n/a	n/a		1	1v0	0%
OT	n/a	n/a	n/a		n/a	n/a	n/a
Total	2	4v3, 1v0	100%		3	2v1 x2, 1v0	33%

• Analysis: Michigan generated a couple of 2v1s very early on thanks to a great pass from Raabe to spring Van Whye and Moyle. Moyle finished on his second attempt. Becker and York had a rush, too, but Becker shot it high. Beecher got a breakaway late but didn’t score. The Wolverines did give up a 4v3 –that got buried in Mann’s chest- and a semi-breakaway that Summers allowed and then defended well from behind. Giving up two OMRs is acceptable given the last couple of weeks.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

I had: Western Michigan 65 (30), Michigan 47 (15)

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Western Michigan 66, Michigan 46