OFFENSE

Analysis: The Michigan offense was mostly limited to the edges for the first half of the game. Notre Dame is extremely defensively sound, both positionally with their bodies and extensively with their sticks. Not only could the Wolverines not get the puck into the house very often, but they had trouble moving or shooting the puck through it. The Irish just stayed in their spots and deflected pucks before cooly exiting the zone…for the majority of the game. To double down, when Michigan did manage to crack the Holy Grail, Ryan Bischel was there to deny they attempts. As far as creating, the Bordeleau/Pasta/Grano line did create some chances as the game moved along. The Beniers/Johnson/Morgan (not as much Becker) line did as well, but the Irish always seemed to be a step ahead of anything the Wolverines tried to do. It may be time to start talking about the “top line” of Beecher/Brisson/Lambert.

[AFTER THE JUMP: Frustrating content]

Maybe if I just… [James Coller]

DEFENSE

Analysis: While I wouldn’t say the defense played overly poorly, being contrasted to the well-drilled Irish unit did not do them any favors. There were not quite as many terrible DZTOs as last night, but there were still enough sloppy giveaways at times to be a problem (see the York turnover leading to the empty-netter). Michigan did scratch Jack Summers in favor of Jay Keranen…who actually played well in his own zone. Alex said after the game that he thought Truscott was currently Michigan’s best defender. That could be, but while the unit has made strides in the last year or more, they still have a ways to go…given what we saw facing Michigan’s attacking group. Alex also mentioned that teams seem able to circle the Wolverines and pass easily within the Michigan defensive end. Michigan definitely has the talent to get to the next level of play, but there does need to be some work on fundamentals and puck distribution.

A little help?!?! [James Coller]

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan generated a couple of power plays tonight. However, they could not generate much of an attack on either man advantage. Blankenburg had a blast from straightaway, but that was about it on the night.

The Irish garnered three power play minutes. They moved the puck pretty well around the edge, but the Irish also were unable to get off any real Grade A looks. They did get more shots on net, but Mann was equal to all of them. One note: Brisson took another two minute minor, this time one the power play. This is something to continue to monitor.

GOALTENDING

Analysis: Strauss Mann once again started in net. He was necessary, yet again. Strauss was always sound positionally and tracked the puck extremely well…as he always seems to do. He made a huge save on a 3v1 in the second Period. He made a number of gloves saves in traffic…not to mention multiple others from point-blank range. Finally, very late in the third, a shot from the boards deflected off of Pasta’s stick and rose above a dropped Mann. Unlucky. It’s tough to do more than he has done in his first six games. Again, I’m sure we’ll see Portillo at some point, but its hard to imagine any sort of upgrade.

ODD MAN RUSHES

Analysis: Michigan gave up three OMRs and probably should have given up at least one if not two goals. They did not. So, yay Strauss! While they didn’t pay for it, they gave the Irish too many transitional chances. Its hard to do that against a supremely sound defensive team and win.

Conversely, Michigan generated a breakaway and a very dangerous 2v1. Morgan missed his break wide, and Bordeleau forced a save with Mike Pasta tipping his rebound chance just wide of the open net. I guess call it all a wash.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Michigan 53, Notre Dame 45