Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time
Thoughts on Friday nights game:
I would have rather had a 3-2 win without the gift turnover to tie the game and subsequent overtime heroics.
OSU was better than I had expected. Veteran forward group and Fritz was the most dangerous player in my eyes. Also, Davis was their 3rd string goalie entering the season and he played well.
I thought both goalies would like to have the first goal back.
Agree on all points. OSU's biggest criticism is that they have played a soft nc schedule and have played most of their games at home. Even Buck fans don't know what they have.
I like the renovated look of Yost, but the atmosphere now feels like a Pistons game with the introductions, sponsorships, giving food away in the crowd, etc.
There is a strong undercurrent that Brandon has changed the atmosphere with his marketing tactics and emphasizes it over winning. There isn't the same intimidation factor at Yost, the student section has dwindled to a section and a half from the entire eastern sideline. The renovations are mostly cosmetic and keeps the amateur feel of a university arena over the posh, spoiled surrounds with individual padded seats that most professional arenas have (or our fellow B1G rivals.) I haven't felt the changes in the pocket book yet as much, but it is coming.
Compher, Guptill and Copp were the top Michigan players, and it showed on the score sheet. All were dangerous and did not convert on other quality chances too.
To say Guptill plays well against OSU is an understatement. So far, he has 12 (8-4) points in 7 games vs. the Buckeyes.
Although Zach Hyman has not scored a goal in about 20 games, I see why he still plays with his hard work and hustle.
4th line freshman Kile and Allen do struggle on the defensive end, and I would expect Selman to replace one of them tonight.
On your first point, I have been highly critical of #27 since his little late summer fall-out of grace and suspension. He dogged it the first few games he was back and wasn't clicking (like last season) with his former linemate, Nieves. Gups finally emerged against Niagara and carried it over against OSU- as he said, he wishes he played them every game. Since scoring his first goal, Compher has been on fire. He drives the net hard (just like Copp) and is a plus on defense. Copp didn't have a memorable game against OSU, but came through when it mattered- like a leader does. I felt he was frustrated all game and was getting manhandled by the bigger Bucks.
Hyman does work real hard, doesn't dog it at all. I wish he could get off the scheind, but his work in the corners is noticable. His speed is what helps him, too.
Kile, Allen and Selman are all similar players, although Allen has more offensive upside- but is smaller. I guess who gets in is a Red decision, based on practice and tendencies.
I also thought that Sinelli held his own on the blueline since Lohan is lost for the season probably and Serville has what is thought to be a concussion in practice. I can't believe that Szuma hasn't been given a chance, or Bus Hyman, but it was poiinted out on twitter that Sinelli provides a RH shot versus the rest of the d-men who are a LH shot (or vice versa.)
