Michigan Hockey ‘17-18, Game #30: Michigan 3, Michigan State 2

Here’s to you, Ace! The. Iron. D. (Bill Rapai)

OFFENSE

Analysis: Michigan didn’t quite put up the sheer volume of chances that they did last night, but they were still very effective in the attacking end. Both of their even strength goals were the result of tremendous passing in the offensive end. After a bomb from Luce, Marody corralled the rebound and found Calderone wide open in the slot for a tap-in. Late in the third, Marody went cross ice to Cecconi, who returned it to Hughes. Hughes dangled into the slot and beat Lethemon for what would be the game-winner. Michigan had enough chances for a handful of other goals, as well, but Lethemon played well enough…and there were definitely times where Michigan’s ability to finish off goals was again in doubt. Thankfully, Hughes netted that last one.

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Quinn for the win! (Bill Rapai)

DEFENSE

Analysis: Michigan mostly kept this game under control until into the third period. State had a handful of chances after a couple of lazy DZTOs, but didn’t generate a ton offensively. Once the game was peaking, State started pressing and evening out the chances. Michigan’s defense was a little loose and Lavigne had to make a few bail-out saves. After Lavigne made back-to-back bail-outs, Joseph Cecconi threw himself into the net and caught the puck in his chest, keeping it from crossing the line. As he fell out of the net, he channeled Cooper Marody and chucked the puck away from the net to avoid falling on it and giving away a penalty shot. One of the biggest and most heads-up defensive plays I’ve ever seen.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan only took three penalties tonight. After MSU held the puck in for the entire two minutes of their first man advantage, Michigan did a better job of killing off the last couple of power plays. MSU was able to generate close to a shot/minute, though. Regardless, no power play goals given up over the weekend. That is a win,

The Wolverines drew six power plays tonight, including a major in the second period. They were able to average a shot/minute and tally 14(!) shots on the man advantage. It took almost all five minutes of the major for Michigan to finally wear down the MSU PK (which statistically similar to Michigan’s). Jack Becker was able to poke home a garbage goal in the crease. Statistically, Michigan looked good –they even moved the puck well at times- but, once again, had trouble finishing their good looks. Tonight, however, one was just good enough.

Lavigne got support tonight. He also did his part. (Bill Rapai)

GOALTENDING

Analysis: This was a higher end game from Lavigne. Both goals were visible to him, but were snapshots from relatively close. I would say he had a better chance on the second because of the angle from outside the House. Either way, though, Hayden must have had five or six point-blank saves throughout the game. He also had a couple of drops, leaves, and fumbles. So, a what-you-expect game, tonight: a couple of game-savers, a few cringe gaffes, a goal he’d want back…but still a save percentage of .941. Michigan can mostly lives with games like this in net.

Not an OMR, but the passing sure looked like it. (Bill Rapai)

ODD-MAN RUSHES

Analysis:  Michigan gave up one OMR, tonight. It was a 4v2 that resulted in a centering pass that got cleared. That was it. MSU is not loaded with offensive firepower, but giving up one OMR is a fine result.

On the flip side, M did not create an OMR. State seemed very conservative in pushing forward, until they had to do so, though. Very little action in this department, this evening.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

I had: Michigan 48(17), Michigan State 40(16)

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Michigan 45, Michigan State 38