U-M Hockey @ ND - Friday Open Thread

Submitted by I Bleed Maize N Blue on January 10th, 2020 at 6:10 PM

Back to BT hockey, and it's a tough stretch with @ ND this week followed by @ PSU next. Looking up we see ND in 4th place in the conference.

Time: 7PM ET

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Let's Go Blue! To Hell with Notre Dame!

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Mustachioed Ge…

January 10th, 2020 at 7:30 PM ^

I admittedly do not know much about hockey or how to properly analyze it but our passing seems subpar and our defense a bit haphazard.

 

Edit: Seem to be able to push the tempo well, though.

Joined: 05/25/2009

MGoPoints: 973

I Bleed Maize N Blue

January 10th, 2020 at 9:19 PM ^

We weathered the storm early in the 1st, then ND took a penalty @ 6:46, and we scored 18 sec in. Then it was more even. ND also had a penalty at 13:16. Moyle was in the box at 16:52.

They stayed out of the box in the 2nd. Blankenburg penatly at 9:46. ND was pouring it on, but Mann shut the door.

Joined: 09/27/2008

MGoPoints: 58770

pugboy

January 11th, 2020 at 12:15 PM ^

It seems that Michigan and Michigan State hockey have been so-so that last decade.  Don't follow it that close, but wondering.  Live close to EL, and I remember years ago hockey was a big deal for both schools.  But don't read the papers much.  Coaching?  Recruiting?  

Joined: 10/22/2010

MGoPoints: 464

I Bleed Maize N Blue

January 11th, 2020 at 5:01 PM ^

MSU had a longtime coach retire, and the next guy wasn't good. They plummeted to the bottom of the CCHA. U-M followed as Red aged.

Dave Brandon said he wanted to hire head coaches with head coaching experience, which makes sense for football & MBB, but not necessarily for other sports. This meant longtime U-M assistant and onetime heir apparent Mel Pearson left for MI Tech, and I think U-M's defense suffered. Red not recruiting as many offensively talented players as in the past eventually meant the streak of making the NCAA tournament was broken, and outscoring the opponent became an iffy proposition. Also goaltending was suspect, barring a Tiny Jesus type of season. Not a good thing when you're also giving up a lot of odd-man rushes.

Brandon left, and Mel came back. It's yet to be seen if he can get the reecruitng back up. Mann has stepped up big in his sophomore season, taking the #1 goalie job, where last year he & Lavigne traded off, neither one performing as well as Mann this season. Offense is still suspect, no real snipers on the team.

MSU has a new coach, don't remember when he was hired, don't really care to look, but they're doing better this season, currently tied for 2nd in conference.

That's just my opinion. I could be wrong.

Joined: 09/27/2008

MGoPoints: 58770