OFFENSE

Analysis: Michigan’s story of the night was taking advantage of their opportunities. Jack Becker converted on a couple of great shifts after some extended pressure from his top line. He was also inches from a hat trick. Mike Pastujov did the same for his line. His second goal was the result of Drew DeRidder trying to take a charge and not getting rewarded for his dive. Those are two guys who have not put the puck in the net as consistently as Michigan has needed them to this season. If they can stay hot, perhaps the offense can consistently hit a needed extra gear. While Corsi in total was similar, Close Corsi was 33-24. Michigan mostly went into lockdown mode in the third and secured the win.

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Defense PROTECT THIS HOUSE [Dianna Oatridge]

DEFENSE

Analysis: There was a clear difference between the KHL line and not the KHL line for Michigan State. When the top Spartan line was on the ice, they could put the Wolverine defense under pressure. When they were not, Michigan mostly kept their zone locked down. The talent differential was noticeable and this is what Michigan needs to do to similar opponents. State’s one offensive-zone goal was a fantastic snipe following a faceoff win. Kamer picked a corner. Alright. Michigan State did miss a couple a decent chances, but their Grade A chances were few and far between.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan drew a handful of penalties against the Spartans and looked…uneven, again. The Wolverines were dangerous on about two of their man advantages and probably could have scored a few times, as Hughes hit Lockwood twice and Lockwood almost returned the favor, but the puck skipped Quinn’s stick as he was flying down the slot. The other couple of power plays were poor: no puck/player movement coupled with failed zone entries. They got away with it today due to playing an opponent that they could overwhelm, but if they are going to make a Pairwise run, the Wolverines are going to have to start converting on special teams.

Michigan gave MSU three power plays. Their penalty kill was good for the most part. The one breakdown came after a stick breaking and multiple failed clears gave the Spartans extended zone time and Stachowiak walked into the middle of a tired Wolverine defense and finished an open-netter. That will happen.

GOALTENDING

Analysis: Like every other game in the second half of the season, Hayden Lavigne started in net. Again, he played well. None of the goals should be attributed to him: 3v2 OMR, corner sniped off of a faceoff, and a shot from the crease after an extended pressure on the power play. He also made a few big saves, after a couple of bad defensive rotations. Hayden is not an all-world goalie, but he’s continued his steady, solid play. When the defense contours itself to his benefit, he continues to hold up his end and give Michigan a chance to win.

ODD-MAN RUSHES

Analysis: It was a weird set of OMRs tonight. Both teams gave up a chance when they were on a power play. M had a 2v1 but could not connect; State had a 3v2 and Saliba got into the slot alone and beat Lavigne. Michigan had mostly dominated the period, but gave up that one chance and it was even again. To Michigan’s credit, though, that was the only OMR that they allowed.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

I had: Michigan 43, Michigan State 40

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Michigan 44, Michigan State 40