Jack Becker had two tallies, including a great re-direct at the top of the crease [James Coller]

OFFENSE

Analysis:  Going back a couple of years, Michigan has not outplayed Penn State at even strength. They pounded the Nitany Lions on the scoreboard two years ago, but that was mostly due to special teams. That was not the case tonight. They played a top-five Corsi team to a draw and generated better offensive chances with more consistency. I was not as high on Peyton Jones coming into this game, but he played very well and definitely kept his team in the game until Michigan finally blew it open late. Michigan pressured the Lion defense and got into the house area all night. They also moved the puck from side to side very well and could have scored more much earlier if not for a very nice game from Peyton Jones. Lastly: three even strength non-DMC-line goals. Ye-uh!

[After THE JUMP: the defense holds and special teams take a step in the right direction] 

Pairing Cecconi with Hughes has been a great idea [Coller]

DEFENSE

Analysis: So, this was an interesting game defensively for Michigan. Penn State used a lot of speed and caught Michigan out a handful of times. The odd part was that I thought Michigan played very well most of the time…but then they would turn the puck over or fail to get out of their zone or get beat down the ice and Penn State would have some quality chances. So, I guess this is the next step for a growing defense? After playing pretty well the last four games, Michigan played well again for most of this game, but not with complete consistency. That allowed the Lions to get their chances and lead possession and shots for the majority of the game. They did get a bit of puck luck to pair with great net-minding, tonight. While the upside is definitely there (especially with Joseph Cecconi, who I thought was great), consistency is the goal for tomorrow night.

No, you cannot score yourself [Coller]

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan greatest liability –their 74% PK- did not get them tonight. They almost circumvented it completely, not taking their first penalty until late in the second period. That was the only penalty until the game was done and dusted at 3-0 with only five minutes remaining. Right now, that is the best way to avoid giving up goals. Stay out of the box? Check.

On the other side, Michigan’s power play did create a few nice looks, but could not finish the job. While their above numbers aren’t that great, I thought they moved the puck well on a couple of them and got some dangerous chances. Not great, but maybe on the way up?

Not his flashiest game but maybe his steadiest [Coller]

GOALTENDING

Analysis: Hayden Lavigne played very well tonight. While the defense was inconsistent in front of him, he bailed them out on enough occasions. I did not see any egregious rebounds, something that plagued him last weekend in Minneapolis. He also held his posts well and seemed to be in good position all night. To top it off, he stoned a breakaway and a connected 2v1. I don’t think there’s any question that it's his net right now.

ODD-MAN RUSHES

Analysis: Michigan gave up some OMRs tonight…four to be exact. Lavigne bailed the Wolverines out on the breakaway and a 2v1, making three total saves in those sequences. Cecconi (who is starting to look very good on defense) broke up another 2v1. The final OMR for Penn State resulted in a missed pass. Penn State has a very good offense and they're extremely fast, so some OMRs are going to happen. To me, four is right on that cusp, though. Michigan got away with these, but if they happen again tomorrow night, they may not be as lucky.

Michigan also generated a couple of 2v1s but could not connect of either.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

I had: Penn State 55(22), Michigan 54(23)

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Penn State 56, Michigan 52