Michigan Hockey 16-17, Game #4: Michigan 4, Michigan Tech 3
(Paul Sherman) Late game heroics!
OFFENSE
Michigan tallied a season high 45 attempts at the net, tonight (courtesy of www.collegehockeynews.com ). That is their best 5v5 offensive output, yet. Is it growth or might it be the result of playing against another lowly WCHA team? Ummmmm...we will see, but I'm still leaning toward the latter. Jake Slaker notched another goal, early in the first period. He seems to be starting to produce more on the top line. Tony Calderone also nabbed another goal. He got into the offensive zone on a 1v3 and did about the only thing you can do in that situation...he threw it at the net and it went in! Hooray!
Through the first couple periods, Michigan's attack was still rather sparse. They only managed three attempts from between the circles, yet scored on two(!!) of those three. Most of the rest of their attempts came from the edges of the circles or out to the perimeter. In the third period, Michigan doubled their combined 1st and 2nd period CORSI score. They were also better able to get the puck down low and into the slot. The placement of attempts in the third period encourages me...but I'm going to need to see that from an entire game (or a few games) before I am ready to get excited about the offense.
DEFENSE
Michigan Tech generated a 57 CORSI score, tonight. This is really not good news. Tech is 1-5-1 after tonight's game. They have played 5 road games (all against ranked opponents), but they are clearly not off to a great start. Looking through the shot charts, Michigan's defense was unable to keep Tech's offense out of the slot all night. In fact, Tech was able to get off shots from all over the attacking zone. The second period was especially disconcerting as Michigan surrendered 35 attempts (22 on even strength). Michigan is walking a very dangerous line with this defense. They are struggling with intense forechecking (same as last season) and are turning the puck over before getting deep into the attacking end (also something not new). Michigan's superior offensive talent bailed them out time and again over the last couple seasons. With the offense taking a step (or 2) back this season, the defense really needs to play at a higher level if Michigan is to compete against better competition. That has not happened, yet.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Jake Slaker continues to stay hot, notching another power play goal. However, in five power play opportunities, Michigan only generated five total shots. That is not nearly enough. I was unable to see the game, tonight, but from what I read and heard, the power play looks slower and inexpereinced (not a total shock after losing so many contributors, last season). It seems that they are still finding a way to take advantage of some opportunities, but unless they are able to create more chances, this rate seems unsustainable.
On the PK side, Michigan only committed four penalties. They only surrendured six shots on those four chances. That is definitely a number they can live with. Improvement from the PK is a nice positive from this game. To add to that, Will Lockwood was also able to score the GWG with under a minute left while being short-handed. Michigan now has three short-handed goals...Max Shuart with an assist on each one. This, also seems highly unsustainable. But Michigan will surely take it, right now!
GOALTENDING
Hayden Lavigne got his second start in net, tonight, and performed well enough. He faced a ton of shots and chances but was able to stay in front of most of them, stopping 31 of 34. He was also forced to deal with the puck in his slot and crease quite a few times. He looked a little shaky on one goal, according to a few different reports. Still, seeing the sheer volume of attacks he faced, it seems difficult to expect a lot more out of the freshman. Still, the way that all of the goalies have performed, I would expect to see LaFontaine or Nagelvoort in net tomorrow...with no disrespect to Lavigne at all.
ODD MAN RUSHES
I was filming Cass/King at Ford Field for FBO, so I was unable to count OMRs, tonight. Tomorrow, I should be at Yost and will finally be able to fill out this section.
FINAL CORSI SCORE
Michigan Tech 57, Michigan 45 (44% possession for Michigan)