Michigan Hockey Game #40: Michigan 2, Penn State 1 (OT)
CLICK HERE for Game Recap from Kristy McNeil and other pertinent information.
What just happened (TL;DR): In a game that Michigan mostly controlled at even strength, garnering many more dangerous chances that Penn State, it took extra hockey to decide it. Mackie Samoskevich strode into the zone, curled into the high slot and sniped a game-winner above Liam Souliere, who played the game of his life. Michigan had great chances all evening, but just could not both beat Souliere and get the chance on frame. Each team tallied on the power play to get the game to OT. Then, it was Mackie Time…
FINAL CORSI NUMBERS (www.collegehockeynews.com)
|
|
Total Attempts |
Even Strength |
Power Play |
Close (within 1) |
Even Strength % |
|
Penn State |
64 |
61 |
3 |
52 |
48% |
|
Michigan |
86 |
66 |
20 |
48 |
52% |
Forward Notes.
-While the even strength corsi attempts are relatively even, the eye test says that the dangerous chances mostly favored Michigan. They also got many more attempts on frame. Penn State got most of their best looks in transition (more later). The Wolverines were dangerous from the drop, creating a Grade A chance on the first shift. While they did struggle at times, the game felt like Michigan left plenty of goals on the table. Perhaps, when the Dentists left town on Friday, they stole Michigan’s regulation finishing.
-Alex mentioned early…and it never really changed –the Adam Fantilli line was just dominant. Between Adam, Rutger McGroarty, and Gavin Brindley, the Wolverines just pummeled Penn State’s defense, turning they over in zone, cycling to hold possession, and even pushing them back to get chances in transition. It seemed like they generated a Grade A chance every other time they were on the ice. They just could not finish like they did on Friday. That’s hockey.
-Mackie Samoskevich now has a place as a Michigan Legend getting the first Wolverine NCAA Tournament OT game-winner since Tyler Motte in 2016.
Defense Notes.
-Overall, I thought Michigan’s in-zone defense was really good. All three pairings generally kept the Ice Lions to the perimeter and rarely allowed a Grade A chance that put Erik Portillo on the spot. Jay Keranen and Ethan Edwards both made very nice plays in their own end all night. Obviously there were occasional breakdowns, but, again, that’s hockey. If the team plays that kind of defense against a high scoring unit, Michigan’s chances for getting more victories this season increase tremendously.
-This was not Luke Hughes best game. While he did do well moving the puck and getting across lines, he also had a few brutal turnovers that lead to some OMRs going the other way. He also played a role on the goal allowed, failing to get a clear, and then not picking up the rebounder after Portillo came out to make the original save. Luke has had a number of dazzling moments in Maize and Blue and had games that dragged a struggling Michigan team to victories. This game was a little further down the list, though.
This Guy (David Wilcomes)
SPECIAL TEAMS CHART
|
|
PP Opportunities |
PP Corsi For |
PP Shots/Minute |
|
Penn State |
1/1 |
3 |
4 (2/.5) |
|
Michigan |
1/4 |
20 |
1.71 (12/7) |
Power Play. Michigan was really good all night on their power plays. They moved the puck really well and created plenty of chances. They also got quite a few of them on net. However, they did struggle with a handful of cross-ice releases that had open nets waiting for them. TJ Hughes, Adam Fantilli, and Mackie Samoskevich all got really nice looks, but hesitated just a tick, and Souliere was able to close the opening. Adam Fantilli finally got Mackie an open look in the slot. The rebound bounced past Rutger McGroarty where Adam Fantilli was waiting. He drove in and finished inside the post in almost no space. It was an unreal shot. He’s the best player in college hockey regardless of what anyone else or any awards say.
Penalty Kill. Somehow, Michigan only had to kill one penalty. Unfortunately, they could not do so. Luke Hughes failed to clear; they lost a battle on the boards; Frank Nazar could not get his clearing attempt past Paul DeNaples at the point; Luke Hughes couldn’t block Berger’s BLAST, then didn’t tie up Connor MacEachern for the open net rebound. If any of those things is better, the goal doesn’t go in. It isn’t one guy’s fault; it was a perfect storm.
Honestly, while Michigan was the better team and drove more play, drawing calls, they also got a fortunate-to-positive whistle. I kept waiting for more PSU power plays…that never came. Huh.
Usually Erik Portillo goes here, but Liam Souliere played really well and gave Penn State a chance to win in regulation (David Wilcomes)
GOALTENDING CHART
|
|
Michigan Shots Faced (House) |
Penn State Shots Faced (House) |
|
First Period |
14 |
14 |
|
Second Period |
8 |
11 |
|
Third Period |
10 |
16 |
|
Overtime |
0 |
2 |
|
TOTAL |
32 |
43 |
Notes. Erik Portillo is either figuring a lot of stuff out or peaking at just the right time. Once again, he was very, very good in net. He came out to challenge the eventual goal and saved the initial BLAST. He stoned Simon Mack on a breakaway (spoiler alert). Also…he just did All of The Small Things really well. Portillo has gotten lost in his own details many times this season. Not tonight, though. He was exactly what Michigan needed all game long.
Mr. Portillo came up huge on a breakaway (David Wilcomes)
ODD MAN RUSH CHART
|
Defense |
Rushes |
Advs |
Escape% |
Offense |
Rushes |
Advs |
Scoring% |
|
1st Period |
2 |
4v2, 2v1 |
100% |
|
1 |
2v1 |
0% |
|
2nd Period |
2 |
3v2, 2v1 |
100% |
|
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
3rd Period |
1 |
2v1 |
100% |
|
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
OT |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Total |
5 |
4v2, 3v2, 2v1 x3 |
100% |
|
1 |
2v1 |
0% |
Notes. This was the majority of the Penn State offense. The one nit to pick with the Wolverines was giving up chances in transition. However, when you hold the puck in the offensive zone for a lot of the time, it’s bound to happen. Five times is still probably a bit much, though. Michigan did get back to disrupt a number of chances. Gavin Brindley hustled back to negate a 2v1. The Wolverines also broke up a couple of others. Penn State did get a 2v1 that turned into a 1v0, but Erik Portillo shut down Simon Mack.
Like previously stated, it’s hard to get a lot of OMRs when you generally have the puck –and in the offensive zone at that. Gavin Brindley got into the slot on a 2v1, but Liam Souliere made an unreal stick save to deflect the great chance into the netting.
Back to Back Frozen Fours (David Wilcomes)
FINAL THOUGHTS
For the second straight year –and third time in five tournaments- Michigan is heading to the Frozen Four. They were unquestionably the best team in the Regional in Allentown for the second straight year. While Sunday night wasn't the smoothest of games, they generated plenty, fought through adversity, rallied to tie late, and then won the game with a superior shot. They also gave up two goals on the weekend. That is checking an awful lot of boxes on the Can This Team Do It? List. Sounds like really good preparation, coaching, and player execution.
Also…JUST LIKE FOOTBALL!
March 26th, 2023 at 10:50 PM ^
"JUST LIKE FOOTBALL"
I like the sound of that
March 26th, 2023 at 11:28 PM ^
I like it less going into a semifinal game against a non-traditional power…
Yes, but unlike football, can we please have a game where the Wolverines DON'T shoot themselves in the foot? (Or skate, to be specific.)
March 27th, 2023 at 12:37 PM ^
It won't be like the football semi-final. In football, the Ohio State game dominant victory gave us a false confidence that we could do whatever we wanted in the semi-final, and play our preferred style of play no matter what.
In hockey, that false confidence probably also existed . . . but it was after the Colgate game dominant victory when we played Penn State. It came a game early and almost cost us. But it didn't.
So, the Penn State game has dispelled the notion ahead of time that we can just waltz into the Semi-Final against an overmatched opponent. We will be ready for a street fight with QPac.
The Penn State game (other than the almost losing part by mere inches) was the best thing that could have happened to Michigan going forward.
March 26th, 2023 at 10:55 PM ^
David-- made the comment in the snowflake thread... I think on replay we're going to see that gadowski made some tweaks to his system to drop an additional winger back to try and stifle Michigan's open scoring chances and set up purposefully for counter attacks. I think this was his "Rocky fight southpaw" game and should be commended.
We should discuss this on the HockeyCast...
I watched a replay and yep. PSU changed their attack. They were definitely setting up for purposeful counterattacks by dropping an extra winger and *allowing* the offense to play through our defensemen, trying to catch us pinching / stick handling too much. Watch the Michigan bench camera shots in the late 2nd, early 3rd period. Naurato is clearly frustrated and gadowski is content. I did like Fantilli's between ice comments as bland as they were. He said they to "keep hunting" which is hockey talk for forwards to aggressively forecheck and look for house scoring chances. It really was an outstanding chess match by both coaches and Gadowski put all his chips on the table with the hope Michigan would get (a) frustrated as a young team running into a block in the center of the house area, (b) our defensemen would continue to get adventurous and allow a blue line turnover, and (c) portillo would make a mistake. Naurato didn't take the bait too much and keep forcing his high talent guys to "drive through the defense to the net". I am even more impressed with Samo's goal on replay-- it's an honors class in hockey IQ at tactical timelines.
March 27th, 2023 at 10:08 AM ^
completely agree - i'm more of a "feels" watcher when it comes to hockey, but that seemed like an extremely well-coached game. penn state doesn't have anywhere near the horses we do, but they had us.
survive and advance.
March 27th, 2023 at 10:12 AM ^
They definitely did this, but I'm not clear it actually worked? If Souliere played like himself or a couple shots were a millimeter the right direction it's like 3-0 after 1 and they have to abandon it to play traditional Penn State hockey and then we drown them in chances.
Kudos to Souliere though.
March 27th, 2023 at 10:30 AM ^
Yeah, I agree with this assessment. If the goalies weren’t on fire, this is like a 5-2 game in our favor. I got annoyed with the announcers when they said PSU was playing very well on the PK. Souliere was playing great, but PSU was getting shelled on our PP. Just no puck luck.
March 27th, 2023 at 10:54 AM ^
I think when the boys go watch this game again, the chances for Michigan aren't going to be as great as we thought they were in live time. There were a lot of what looked like great chances live where Penn St had stick on shot, or forced Michigan shooters to uncomfortable spots where they didn't get quite as much on it or were in position where if Souliere makes the save with one pass PSU is on a OMR in counterattack. Don't get me wrong, the PSU strategy absolutely relied on Souliere playing very well, but there were also a number of saves that Portillo had to make as well on PSU rushes that were very good shots too. I'd go so far as to say if Penn St had the finishers that Michigan does, they would have scored 4-5 goals. But they don't and that's the facts, so they scored 1.
March 27th, 2023 at 12:54 PM ^
I said in the game thread that if you gave me just four inches to spend, we would have at least 2 more goals. But in fairness, if you did the same thing for Penn State they would have had at least 2 more goals as well.
Good goalie play, especially at the tournament level, is a fundamental part of hockey. It's not some aberration that should be discounted as just "luck".
I mean, when a guy with a .917 save percentage saves 39/40 shots, many of them quality shots, there’s a little luck involved. He’s a good goalie, but he also played the game of his life. Multiple posts hit, one which went off of the post then off of his skate and just dribbled out. Odds are he would have given up multiple goals on fewer shots the next time around. Goaltending is weird.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:01 PM ^
A tough ask in a hard-nosed, low-scoring game where they just could not get it past the goalie for most of the contest. If anything, the team looked less structured as the game went late and PSU trapped. Too many rushed shots after gaining the zone.
But Adam Fantilli snuck that puck in there. Not the likeliest way to score, but you've got to keep trying and it worked.
And Penn State did the undertaker thing as soon as that goal was scored and it looked really grim for a while.
One shot by Mackie and it was all over.
Win the game. Won the game.
One or two more to play.
I only watched portions, but it looked like a much more even match--for those stretches--than this narrative suggests. The ferocious charge that PSU led after Michigan scored goes unmentioned, but the opposing team was meeting our energy and more through much of the third period.
Absurd to be playing Penn State in Allentown as a one seed, all but criminal, in fact. But it was (also worth mentioning) a really, really fun game. Glad we got out with our skin.
March 27th, 2023 at 10:32 AM ^
The regional system is bad, and it's not really fair that lower seeds get crowd advantages... but Michigan benefits from the energy, too. And I will never, ever allege that Michigan is being unjustly treated by this kind of regional, given the advantage Yost netted us in 98, 02, and 03.
March 27th, 2023 at 11:21 AM ^
I'm still amazed that Portillo came up with the puck out about 5 feet from the net, outside the crease, with about 8 skaters around him - during the big PSU surge after our tying goal in the 3rd. That one save was so huge.
Not the likeliest way to score? Help me understand that comment
In a game like that, with a goalie on fire, you better be putting the puck on net as much as humanly possibly, I was completely fine with the less structured look on the power play. At that point in the game, and with a goaltender on one, you look to cause havoc quickly and they did that in spades, then your ace cleaned one up due to said havoc.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:01 PM ^
I am hoping for UM v Minny for the B1G Postseason Tournament title.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:04 PM ^
YES!
March 27th, 2023 at 12:58 PM ^
The "Frozen Drink Four", as my wife calls it.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:06 PM ^
Not only do I want them to remove the tag, I want Naurato negotiating that contract with all the power a ring could provide
March 26th, 2023 at 11:08 PM ^
BTW, Portillo is playing his best hockey. Looked really good tonight.
.931 save percentage since the end of that Wisconsins playoff series. All against tournament teams.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:10 PM ^
Glad UM has 10 days to prepare for Quinnipiac.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:21 PM ^
Can be a mixed blessing. I honestly believe that last year Michigan got spooked by its mini-meltdown against Q and its analysis of Denver's forecheck. They used the extra time to install a new breakout, and it didn't work, and they never really got into their game against Denver, even though they did make it into OT. I wouldn't say it was a panic move, but I feel like they were overthinking.
This team, though, doesn't have an issue to "spook" with. They need to keep doing what they've been doing to limit defensive breakdowns.
We'll see. Different guy walking behind the bench this year.
March 27th, 2023 at 12:03 AM ^
Watched Quinnipiac this weekend and frankly it made me think Notre Dame would dominate the ECAC. Just turtling bullshit and packing everybody deep and relying on the opposition not having the talent to finish.
Which is what it looked like last year...and we had the talent to finish. First goal is huge though, because if you let them go into the full turtle it's hard to finish through 6 bodies.
We welcome the chance to rest and recover.
Michigan looked tired at the end of the third against Penn State after the PP goal. I was glad the period was not 5 minutes longer. Penn State looked better conditioned, perhaps, but that was probably more due to the fact that they played less games than Michigan in the BTT.
I embrace the 10 days off so that Luke Hughes can recover from his "undisclosed upper body injury".
Also, I think Naurato has shown the propensity for game planning when given time. The difference between Fri and Sat performances this year is pretty substantial, and unless QPac decides to go off script (like what I think PSU did), I think we'll be prepared with specific strategies to break the QPac system and get our talent in position to make plays- not just run into brick wall and hope you break through.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:11 PM ^
What an incredible game. Overcoming adversity through mental toughness and determination might benefit this team in a couple of weeks.
I’m curious about the Ethan Edwards almost-goal late in the first period. Did anyone get a good look at that on replay? I was wondering if it possibly went in but the netting somehow boomeranged it out of the net. Not too often do you see a player shoot one off the post and immediately celebrate. Also, if it didn’t go in and simply clanged off the post, how come there was no clang?
March 27th, 2023 at 12:05 AM ^
The (lack of) sound was definitely weird. But replay was clear, it didn't go in. Rebounded at like an 85 degree angle and just missed the other post too.
March 27th, 2023 at 11:10 AM ^
Yes, definitely hit the post, went across the crease, redirected off the goalie's skate, and just went wide of the other post. Close to going in twice.
March 26th, 2023 at 11:52 PM ^
Hughes did have some rough moments/some poor choices at the offensive blueline, but he also saved a goal (and probably our season) with about 10 min left in the third. He got a stick on a puck that was headed in, much in the way that Lamppa kept Rut from scoring late in the first.
He also could have been a little dinged after yet another headshot that wasn't called.
I don't think it's a coincidence that the uptick in Portillo's play has also coincided with their increasing ability to stay out of the box. No majors and only 12 PKs in the past 5 games. I believe Estapa has only taken one penalty since he was benched and that was a garbage call. The message is getting through. Or we've had better refs, but one of the guys tonight waived off Ryznar's goal in the 03 semis so that's probably not it... :-D I estimated that our goals allowed per game would have been like 0.40ish lower if we got called for a more Minnesota amount of penalties. They've done great at staying out of the box lately and it's paying off.
I have to remind myself not to take Frozen Fours for granted. After the Porter-Kolarik year in 08, we only got 1 more for 10 years. I kept waiting for the chance to add more to the banners in Yost. Back to back feels real nice
What a great way to start the week. Thanks, guys.
Congratulations young men for persevering and grinding out a great win.
Donating an entire paragraph, and more, to criticizing Luke's play in the match is a lot more than a bit over the top. The kid plays his heart out-and makes this team better at every turn. PSU scored one goal.
On to Tampa.
March 27th, 2023 at 11:15 AM ^
I think it's fair to criticize Hughes because, let's be honest, a couple of those were bad turnovers that nearly resulted in PSU goals. But we should also acknowledge that he very likely is asked by the coaches to drive much of the play and take risks, and at times that results in really good chances for us. He will have to get better at picking his spots as a pro but Naurato likely wants him trying to make plays.
I tell my daughter who plays a similar game to Hughes at her admittedly lower level. Yes, you *can* mauuever through the whole team and generate offense. But most of the time you don't *need* to and the better play is avoid the trouble trap and force the other team to chase you and the puck.
Yeah, he draws so much attention that when the third guy collapses on him there is someone open or in position for a rebound. He doesn’t have to do it alone, and especially not in a tight game.
Hoping the final four isn’t “just like football.” I don’t follow hockey that closely, but the offensive firepower on this team seems just amazing. Bring that national championship home, guys.
Usually have to win a tournament game or two like that to reach the promised land (although, I will take 11 - 1 every game 😄). Proud of our guys. Great job securing the win. Looking forward to watching them in the Frozen Four. Definitely capable of winning it.
I gotta disagree here. At even strength psu controlled game until the final 10 minutes. I was shitting bricks the entire time. .but in the end they turned it on and shut it down.
March 27th, 2023 at 11:16 AM ^
I think you watched a different game than most of us. Michigan out shot PSU for the first time in 5 games this year. And had the more dangerous opportunities, both on the power play and even strength. If Souliere doesn't play his best game this never gets near OT.
Well, I was watching it on my phone, and was shitting bricks the entire time, so there is that... was hard to see the quality of shots on the phone, and it felt like we were being outplayed.
March 27th, 2023 at 11:19 AM ^
I will agree that I was very uptight and that PSU had a number of good counter-attacks, but it was clear that Michigan was largely controlling the game, especially through 2 periods. I had no problem with the way that Michigan was playing. 8 times out of 10 we are leading after two periods. The frustrating and anxious part was that it looked like a classic NCAA tourney game where one team outplays the other but cannot score (in some ways like the OSU/Q game).
Yep, we (M) controlled the play, but it didn't result in pucks in net and PSU had limited but equally as dangerous chances. Controlling play but not getting actual goals is a recipe for a classic NCAA tourney upset, especially if the lesser team gets a goal and forces the better team to try and run through the brick wall or press because of lack of time. Michigan scores first (Edwards shot?) I think this game goes a whole different way in the later periods.
March 27th, 2023 at 11:44 AM ^
Not sure what you are basing your position on. Michigan hit 3 posts in the first 2 periods. They outshot PSU and their quality scoring chances were much higher.
PSU entire offense were the 5 odd man rushes, they rarely were able to gain the offensive zone and control the play except for the 2-3 minutes after Michigan scored.
PSU needed pretty much every break just to get it into OT. This game could have easily been a 3-1 or 4-1 win...
March 27th, 2023 at 10:33 AM ^
Hats off to PSU... they played a phenominal game... their aggressive D caused a lot of issues for us all game, that paired with Souliere standing on his head. that was fun to watch, not good for the nerves or heart, but fun.
March 27th, 2023 at 12:07 PM ^
Penn State played the game that they needed to play to win. It was the only way they could win, and it almost worked, by literal inches.
Expect the exact same thing from QPac next week, for the exact same reason.
We will have the huge advantage of having just seen that style of play in a tournament setting. We won't be caught flat-footed by it like we were for most of the Penn State game.
March 27th, 2023 at 10:57 AM ^
While the MGoGirlfriend and I were watching last night, she commented that she loved the uniqueness of the name Rutger McGroarty. I agreed that his is a fine name, but that my favorite is Mackie Samoskevich. To my ears, it has the echoes of a classic hockey name, along the fabled lines of Esposito or Mikita.
And now it's a perfect name for Michigan hockey lore.
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