“That was all you, tonight, Hayden!” [Bill Rapai]

OFFENSE

Analysis: Michigan did not have an exceedingly high volume of shots, but they did create a solid number of quality looks, especially when the game was within reach. As the game wound down, and Michigan nabbed their three-goal lead, they backed off and protected their blazingly hot goaltender. The second line of Warren-Norris-Slaker was the best line of the night. Probably the best thing to emerge from the weekend was a dangerous second line to complement the DMC line. It is still quite the drop to the listed third line (Sanchez-Raabe-Winborg), but the listed fourth line of Becker and the Pastujovs had a great night last night and looked relevant again tonight. Another robust test is looming next weekend for this growing offense.

[After THE JUMP: how to stop 70+ shot attempts] 

DEFENSE

Analysis: Well. This was a bit of a step back. After controlling the first period, Penn State bombed Michigan for most of the rest of the game. Michigan gave up their second-most even-strength attempts on net tonight, behind only Penn State’s attack in their first game in Happy Valley. Part of it was probably the score, but Michigan also had major issues clearing the zone at times. Give the Lions credit, too, as they never see a chance to shoot at the net that they don’t like. They’re a top-five Corsi team for a reason. PSU was also a bit unlucky tonight, hitting the post a few times and blatently missing some open nets. Hayden Lavigne also had a lot to do with it (but that section is next). Michigan did block a ton of shots and did a nice job of clearing any rebounds that Lavigne left. This was Michigan’s toughest offensive test and they did survive quite an onslaught, though.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Once again, Michigan only took three penalties (four, but one of them did not give away a power play). The Wolverines actually looked very good on the first and third kills. The second, however, was more in line with the recent trend. Penn State literally took five attempts from just outside the crease and averaged three and a half shots per minute during the two minute stretch. That’s absurd. That might have been Lavigne’s pinnacle. Not so much for the rest of the penalty kill. Regardless, though, they killed all six of PSU’s man advantages this weekend.

Michigan scored on their first power play of the evening. Cecconi found Dancs from behind the net and Dancs poked one behind Jones to double Michigan’s lead midway through the first period. The next two power plays were mostly harmless, especially the final one, as Michigan was attempting to just kill off the game.

Force. Field. [Rapai]

GOALTENDING

Analysis: Hayden Lavigne was a force-field tonight. He was barraged with clip after clip of attempts and saved all of them until only a few minutes remaining when an extra attacker and scrum in front produced an open side of the net and the first PSU goal of the weekend. Michigan probably should have lost this game, but Lavigne was everywhere for just long enough. The second goal came with just under a minute left as PSU pulled their goalie again, and a shot snuck inside the post. Regardless, Lavigne made countless bail-out saves and did not leave many rebounds for the Lions to pounce upon. He carried the defense tonight and is front and center in Michigan’s great run over the last few weeks.

Dakota Raabe with his first point, goal, and game-winner of his career [Rapai]

ODD-MAN RUSHES

Analysis: Michigan only gave up two OMRs tonight and both of them were 3v2s, which means both defensemen were back and I believe they came on the end of offensive pressures in the attacking end. This is perfectly acceptable.

On the other end, Michigan took advantage of a slower Penn State defense and created four OMRs in their favor. They also scored on two of them, including one 20 seconds into the game. Warren found a speedy Josh Norris, who scored to open the game. After Michigan’s next two OMRs didn’t connect, Luke Martin found a streaking Dakota Raabe, who got in alone and beat Jones to ultimately get Michigan the game winning goal.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

I had: Penn State 71, Michigan 49

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Penn State 71, Michigan 49