*PSA: Analysis sections may be a little shorter this evening due to game timing and my schedule tomorrow.*

CLICK HERE for Game Recap from Kristy McNeil and other pertinent information and HERE for current Pairwise Rankings

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS (www.collegehockeynews.com)

Forward Notes.

-It took Michigan a little bit longer on Saturday, but once again they showed their dominance over Wisconsin. After a mostly benign first Period, goals came fast a furious in the second. Finding themselves down 2-1 after a couple of poor plays in their own end, Michigan re-asserted themselves and regained a 4-2 advantage going into the third period. The Wolverines dominated shots and chances in the final stanza, tallying two more goals leaving no doubt who owned all six points on the weekend. That is what elite teams do.

-Thomas Bordeleau had his moments (including a crazy 10 minute misconduct in the third), but he also made a nifty move to find an open Brendan Brisson in the slot. Brisson spun and fired a puck off of a diving defenseman and into the net for Michigan’s fourth goal. While Brisson will be heading to the Olympics, Bordeleau will not…and Michigan will be counting on his for more offensive creations next month.

-Jimmy Lambert made a nice play to enter the zone, wait, float into the slot, and fire a puck off of Cameron Rowe’s glove and into the net. Philippe Lapointe crashed the slot after a good entrance by Keaton Pehrson and finished a slick pass from Mike Pastujov to get on the scoreboard. Both guys are going to get their chances in the next four games. Getting each on the board Saturday night will hopefully boost their confidence heading into the Olympic month.

Defense Notes.

-This wasn’t exactly a poor performance defensively for Michigan, but they did get sloppy in their own end a few too many times for my liking. This was highlighted by players running into each other behind the net that lead to Brisson redirecting a point shot behind Portillo. Michigan was just scrambling and deflected the puck into their own net. Wisconsin was also able to walk in a few times and hit the iron at least twice. The Wolverines are just so much more talented than the Badgers that they easily overcame their silly mistakes…but puck management can always be improved.

-Ethan Edwards popped again. He had a very nice hold at the line, skated to space, looked to pass, walked in, and picked a corner. This was one of the most complete plays he’s made all season. I know I bring him up every game, but the guy just continues to grow and make plays. In Power’s absence, he has a real chance to have a great February.

-Nick Blankenburg was beat up all game, but he just kept going. It was good to see him rewarded with a PPG to put the cherry on a fun weekend. Granted, it was against the Badgers, but Keaton Pehrson and Jack Summers both looked solid, as well.

Captain Nick gets another tally against the Badgers (Marc-Gregor Campredon)

SPECIAL TEAMS CHART

Power Play. Michigan finally got a power play in the last couple minutes of the second period. They did get quite a bit of zone time and moved the puck decently well. Mackie Samoskevich got a open look from the slot, but Cameron Rowe was able to deny him. Their second and third power plays were both effective, also creating quality chances. Eventually, Nick Blankenburg scored Michigan’s 6th goal of the evening on a poke-in, as the final whistle approached. This was not a game that the Wolverines needed their man advantage to carry them…but they did well, regardless.

Penalty Kill. Michigan’s first couple of kills were a little sketchier than their later couple. While Wisconsin didn’t overwhelm them in the House/Slot, they did get attempts on net and pucks on frame. Erik Portillo was able to see the Wolverines through the first couple kills. After that, the Badgers struggled to hold any relevant zone time. Overall, the penalty kill just rolls along.

Another high 30s save performance. Save, Rinse, Repeat. (James Coller)

GOALTENDING CHART

Notes. After a very sharp first period, where he made multiple solid positional saves, Erik Portillo had an up and down second period. Brendan Brisson tried to block a shot from the point, but he redirected behind and Portillo. That was rather unfortunate. Just seconds later, Erik just straight fanned on a visible shot from distance. That was just a poor effort. He definitely wants that one back. After that, he seemed to settle down. Portillo has some bobbles from time to time and sometimes takes a while to find and freeze the puck. However, in the end, he makes saves on 38 of 40 shots. Pretty good.

Luke Hughes is fun (Marc-Gregor Campredon)

ODD MAN RUSH CHART

Notes. Michigan gave up a couple of transition chances. Mark Estapa whiffed coming off of the bench leading to a breakaway chance that missed the net. Wisconsin also created the slowest 3v2 that I can remember seeing. Eventually a shot on Portillo was saved and frozen.

In the third period, the Wolverines created multiple OMRs, including a couple very dangerous chances. Luke Hughes dazzled after an electric pass from the boards from Mackie Samoskevich. His hands and feet are both phenomenal.

FINAL THOUGHTS

5-1 and 6-2. Two thumpings. Punish them, stay healthy, and don’t get suspended. Michigan accomplished that in addition to outclassing the Badgers. Notre Dame took two of three points from the Gophers on Saturday, as well. Michigan now heads into their Bye week (and exhibition vs the USNTDP) with a chance to practice with their new lines and pairings. Great timing. See you on Friday February 11th at Yost against Michigan State.