Michigan Hockey 16-17, Game #11: Lake Superior State 3, Michigan 1

Submitted by David on

(James Coller) The result of too many DZTOs and OMRs

 

OFFENSE

  • Michigan actually wins its first CORSI game of the season...I think?  Lake State is also 44th in RPI.  They got the puck deeper and between the circles more as the game went on.  They also did not convert.  This is the other end of the luck they have been receiving all season.  Outplaying an opponent and not converting.  Sounds like an inverted Michigan game.
  • They did create chances and forced some penalties.  That is a positive takeaway.  Unfortunately, I'm more inclined to believe this is more because of the opposition, though...
  • Wilton Speight will play, it seems.  That would be encouraging.  If he can hit something deep and stretch the field...sigh, that would be greeeeeeeat

 

DEFENSE

  • Maybe some of the better defense that M has played this year.  Most of the 5v5 opportunities were pushed away from the circles and out towards the blue line...which is where you want attempts to come from.  They did not give up TOO many chances, but both of the non-emptynetters were on the defense and not JLF.  
  • De Jong was beat behind the net and there was not rotation to the Laker in the slot on the first goal.  That would be a DZTO  The second was a hustle OMR...it will be touched on later.
  • Peppers has to make a big play, right?  Huge INT or forcced fumble.  It's going to turn The Game

 

SPECIAL TEAMS

  • Again, Michigan finds a way to score on the PP.  Calderone took a quick shot from the slot, keeping the puck on the ice, and slipping one between Defiel's pads.  That was it on the power play, however.  1 for 7 in total, tonight.  Woof.
  • Michigan mostly tried to go 1-3-1 with whatever lines were on the ice.  That was new.  Usually, they stay away from that after Line 1.  It also came back to bite them because they did not have a 2nd defenseman to keep the puck in the zone...which lead to the turnover...which lead to the 2v1 on which LSSU scored the winner.
  • On the PK, Michigan continued its great success, forcing LSSU to go 0 of 5.  That's still too many penalties, though...especially for a team that struggles on offense.
  • Kenny Allen has been solid since his early season hiccups.  Converting on trips into OSU territory will be a must, tomorrow.

 

GOALTENDING

  • JLF played lights out, tonight, despite letting a couple goals get by.  He really couldn't do much on either goal.  His overall ability and positioning were again on display all night.  
  • Michigan does not appear to be a very good team, overall.  However, goaltending is not an issue.  Neither is backup goaltending.
  • He also momentarily saved the game as the PP gave up a breakaway.
  • You know Harbaugh has been gameplanning for this since M was run off the field, last year.  Hiring Don Brown was evidence of that.  This is his time.

 

ODD MAN RUSHES

After not giving up many OMRs over the last few weeks, old habits die hard, apparently.  Michigan surrendered four, tonight.  The first couple were nothing of note as LSSU couldn't complete a pass or even get a decent attempt on net.  The third was a Michigan PP breakaway conceded that JLF just stoned.  The last, however, was a hustle 2v1.  After a PP faceoff win, Kile couldn't keep the puck in and Piazza got back to shut down the break.  However, the 3rd man into the zone was a Laker and he fired one past a bare JLF.  OMRs up a man can happen in a 1-3-1...but this one lost the game for Michigan.  

  • Advantages for Michigan, tomorrow should be in pass defense, Peppers-ing, and general experience.  If not now, when?

 

FINAL CORSI SCORE

I had: Michigan 51, Lake Superior State 34

collegehockeynews.com said: Michigan 48, Lake Superior State 31

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