Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

[CollegeHockeyRinkReport]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2013/12/11/5202364/ferris-state-ties-michigan-2-2-in-a-thriller
Chris Dilks' instant analysis and recap of the 2-2 tie with Ferris State.

 

[Yosterizer]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

Yeah, that was pretty funny. All that concern about a shootout goal that is completely meaningless. And not only that, but all the Michigan fans (including me) were celebrating the great shootout win! And the FSU parents section were really quiet. But in reality, FSU got a tie in a tough away game environment, and to be honest, mostly outplayed the home team.

 

[Hammer]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

I don't like playing this game, but tHat could have been a 4-1 Ferris win quite easily. Had they cashed in on a couple more odd-man rushes in the 1st, and had Copp not played Plinko with the Ferris d-man's skate, this is much different game early on.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

I thought he was screened pretty well, too, but I was 250 feet from the play. *shrug*

Screened, yes, but more important, 6-8 in from the post. That's exactly why you are told to put the puck on the net- it happens.

For me, the reason that happened wasn't just because of poor goalie position- no, worse was the simple fact that the D had control of the puck, ony to turn it over. Not because of being challenged, but because the D guy is back at having problems doing *anything* with the puck. Should have been able to pass their way out of the zone, and it ended up in that chance where things happen.

This was the same D man who challenged the play that led to Ferris's first goal, too. Very bad time to pinch- the winger was already there, no Michigan forwards were heading back, and it was a really nice 2-1 chance. have to say- it was a pretty smart play by Schempp-he got Nagelvoort thinking, and tucked a tight backhand in.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

I don't like playing this game, but tHat could have been a 4-1 Ferris win quite easily. Had they cashed in on a couple more odd-man rushes in the 1st, and had Copp not played Plinko with the Ferris d-man's skate, this is much different game early on.

Playing that game, it also could have been 4-1 michigan. Once the shooting started in the 2nd, there were a lot of shots.

coudla, woulda, shoulda. didn't.


As for the shootout- we left at the end of regulation, and both CHN and MGOBLUE2Go reported the game correctly- 2-2 tie. I had no idea there was a SO until this morning. whew- i hate those.

 

[streaker]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

I don't like playing this game, but tHat could have been a 4-1 Ferris win quite easily. Had they cashed in on a couple more odd-man rushes in the 1st, and had Copp not played Plinko with the Ferris d-man's skate, this is much different game early on.

It could have been, but it wasn't. Part of that was dumb luck (crossbar) and some of it was that Michigan got their head out of their tails in the 2nd period and made a game of it.

I'd say that from a team perspective, Michigan would be satisfied with a tie after that atrocious first period where they should have been buried. The defense was brutal and served up 5-6 odd man chances plus the two breakaways. I can see why Ferris would feel like they deserved a better fate- and actually got it in the last five minutes.

After taking the lead (yes, one of the goals was fortuitious) Michigan settled in pretty well until the last 7-8 minutes. I'd say the game tying goal wasn't as gift wrapped as the first, but it was close- so let's not play up Copp's first goal too much. Nagelvoort was out of position, partially screened, but should have made the save. I think I can credit our defensive play with aiding and abetting as much as Ferris creating scoring chances.

 

[alnike]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

Yeah, Mac Bennett handed two pucks over on a platter last night in the defensive zone. While Bennett has played fine and he has a lot of pressure and responsibility on him this year, I thought he would be more of a difference maker as a senior.

 

[streaker]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

Yeah, Mac Bennett handed two pucks over on a platter last night in the defensive zone. While Bennett has played fine and he has a lot of pressure and responsibility on him this year, I thought he would be more of a difference maker as a senior.

He got the GWG in Ohio and has been pretty steady. He made a few huge recovery plays last night, too.. but the turnover at the blueline that clanked off of the cross bar was disturbing.

He is the least of the problem though... Clare was on the ice for both goals... the first was just a bonehead move, coming off the benchand then taking a sunday stroll towards the Ferris blueline in an attempt to pinch and got caught flatfooted. Schempp scored on the 2x1. The second was his failure to clear the zone when Ferris had us pinned in deep. It eventually became the Nagelvoort derp from the blue line. Worse yet, he was paired with Sinelli, who, as hard as he works, is not a worthy defenseman- he's a 4th line forward. For the life of me I can't figure out why Chiasson was scratched unless he is hurt. I also question Clare's health- he is not taking the body and is frequently challenging opponents along the boards or in the corners with one hand on the stick poking, instead of being physical. He just seemed to be out of it last night.

Downing made a couple poor decisions, too. DeJong and Serville did a decent job, but also made some poor defensive zone decisions. Part of that was the Ferris forecheck and part of that was the frustration trying to break the neutral zone trap. It seems that everyone knows Michigan's d-zone cycling patterns and has a gameplan to forecheck on it. The problem with d-zone or neutral zone turnovers is that the forwards can't back check as effectively.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

He got the GWG in Ohio and has been pretty steady. He made a few huge recovery plays last night, too.. but the turnover at the blueline that clanked off of the cross bar was disturbing.

He is the least of the problem though... Clare was on the ice for both goals... the first was just a bonehead move, coming off the benchand then taking a sunday stroll towards the Ferris blueline in an attempt to pinch and got caught flatfooted. Schempp scored on the 2x1. The second was his failure to clear the zone when Ferris had us pinned in deep. It eventually became the Nagelvoort derp from the blue line. Worse yet, he was paired with Sinelli, who, as hard as he works, is not a worthy defenseman- he's a 4th line forward. For the life of me I can't figure out why Chiasson was scratched unless he is hurt. I also question Clare's health- he is not taking the body and is frequently challenging opponents along the boards or in the corners with one hand on the stick poking, instead of being physical. He just seemed to be out of it last night.

Downing made a couple poor decisions, too. DeJong and Serville did a decent job, but also made some poor defensive zone decisions. Part of that was the Ferris forecheck and part of that was the frustration trying to break the neutral zone trap. It seems that everyone knows Michigan's d-zone cycling patterns and has a gameplan to forecheck on it. The problem with d-zone or neutral zone turnovers is that the forwards can't back check as effectively.

Claire was my issue last night- he seems confused when he had the puck. Instead of making a good play- or ANY play, he does a gentle dump up the boards to nobody, which was the turnover that lead to goal 2. And then there was the time where he and Sinelli traded the puck back and forth, even though Sinelli was covered. It was almost as if Claire expected Sinelli to do something with the puck, and didn't want to do anything. that play was a 1 on 2 deep, which should have been an easy break out, but ended up with Ferris getting the puck back and putting pressure.

That pairing seems very questionable.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

Good game. The first period was Ferris...primarily just from a scoring chances standpoint. It was funny the announcers didn't seem to feel the Ferris had the upper hand until they saw the shots on goal. Then all they could talk about was how dominating Ferris was in the first.

Michigan held the second...although Ferris still had some quality chances. IMO in the game overall, MI carried the puck a bit more and Ferris overall had the better of the chances. It will be interesting to see how Ferris fairs at Mariucci in the upcoming weeks...MI and MN have different play styles although both are full on aggressive.

 

[streaker]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

Good game. The first period was Ferris...primarily just from a scoring chances standpoint. It was funny the announcers didn't seem to feel the Ferris had the upper hand until they saw the shots on goal. Then all they could talk about was how dominating Ferris was in the first.

Michigan held the second...although Ferris still had some quality chances. IMO in the game overall, MI carried the puck a bit more and Ferris overall had the better of the chances. It will be interesting to see how Ferris fairs at Mariucci in the upcoming weeks...MI and MN have different play styles although both are full on aggressive.

Our defensemen don't know how to headman the puck quickly. No confidence except for Bennett and Downing and they got burned a couple times. They live and die by the reverse and reset in the d-zone and then they get pinned in. Either that or they try that long stretch pass that either ends up as a turnover or an icing.

Will be interesting to see how the Gophers handle the press forecheck and neutral zone trap- if they end up playing Ferris. I wouldn't look past RPI and Colgate. The big ice may give the Gophers more room to use their speed and negate the aggressive forecheck.

Minnesota is a bigger team, also- can skate with anyone and basically can grind you down on the cycle, too. I see that as one of the biggest differences between our teams.

 

[wolverineTrumpet]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

My, "I was asleep" take on the Ferris game:

The second period was fun. Good pressure. Motte (the older) is a really good goalie.
Third period was going ok, then I fell asleep, then with 2 minutes left I woke up to find that we had yet again given up a 3rd period lead.

Then overtime happened and there was a pointless shoot-out.

The end.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

My, "I was asleep" take on the Ferris game:

The second period was fun. Good pressure. Motte (the older) is a really good goalie.
Third period was going ok, then I fell asleep, then with 2 minutes left I woke up to find that we had yet again given up a 3rd period lead.

Then overtime happened and there was a pointless shoot-out.

The end.

they let you sleep in the COY area? wow.

 

[wolverineTrumpet]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

they let you sleep in the COY area? wow.

No. I let me sleep on my couch. I felt awful that day and came home from work sick. I was able to sell my ticket to a friend who took my stuffed animals to throw at the game, and I "watched" on tv.

I had actually gotten home at 2 and set my alarm for 5, thinking maybe I could still go to the game. 3 hours of sleep was not enough.

No in person hockey for me until next year.

 

[5mn_Major]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

Our defensemen don't know how to headman the puck quickly. No confidence except for Bennett and Downing and they got burned a couple times. They live and die by the reverse and reset in the d-zone and then they get pinned in. Either that or they try that long stretch pass that either ends up as a turnover or an icing.

Will be interesting to see how the Gophers handle the press forecheck and neutral zone trap- if they end up playing Ferris. I wouldn't look past RPI and Colgate. The big ice may give the Gophers more room to use their speed and negate the aggressive forecheck.

Minnesota is a bigger team, also- can skate with anyone and basically can grind you down on the cycle, too. I see that as one of the biggest differences between our teams.

Does MI often have that issue? It seems to me that MI has always been loaded with talent but ends up playing (from my point of view) a very chaotic game that relies heavily (and gets) great individual efforts. MN's style is much more of an organized fast forward puck control style with the defense playing an integral part of the game. That is indicated I think in points put up by defensemen. MN's top 3 defensemen have about double the points of those of MI (25 vs. 13) and has more than BC, the top scoring team in the country. Regarding Colgate/RPI...I'm not too worried. I'm always nervous about overlooking an opponent...this MN team has not done that yet. And regarding Ferris, a number of core teams in the WCHA (especially Bucky) have designs based on the trap just because of the rivalry with us. Again, WI should be a handful by the time they're on your schedule.

Having said that, I'm hoping MI do well in the second half...the B1G needs to establish itself.

 

[streaker]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

Does MI often have that issue? It seems to me that MI has always been loaded with talent but ends up playing (from my point of view) a very chaotic game that relies heavily (and gets) great individual efforts. MN's style is much more of an organized fast forward puck control style with the defense playing an integral part of the game. That is indicated I think in points put up by defensemen. MN's top 3 defensemen have about double the points of those of MI (25 vs. 13) and has more than BC, the top scoring team in the country. Regarding Colgate/RPI...I'm not too worried. I'm always nervous about overlooking an opponent...this MN team has not done that yet. And regarding Ferris, a number of core teams in the WCHA (especially Bucky) have designs based on the trap just because of the rivalry with us. Again, WI should be a handful by the time they're on your schedule.

Having said that, I'm hoping MI do well in the second half...the B1G needs to establish itself.

Well, we getto go to Bucky on 1/10-11 so we'll see them right after the holidays. Our next home game is 1/31- vs. Bucky.

As far as our defense- in the past it used to be predicated on a couple of NHL draftees and high end talents... with terrific puck handling skills and a dangerous shot. Huntzicker,Jillson, Komiserek, Johnson, Merrill, Trouba... yet the teams that have had the most success in the NCAA tourneys have been a nondescript group that, although talented, have flown under the radar. This is the type of defensemen that won in 1996 and 1998- even though Bubba Berenzweig and company never really made a splash in the Big Show. The teams in 2008 and 2011 also had the no-name type blueliners that were solid, had good offensive sense, and were sprinkled with a couple NHL draftees.

The only guy on the current squad that fits that bill is Mac Bennett (Canadiens.) Bennett is a smooth skater, decent nose fo the net, but won't wow you with his shot. He is a bit undersized, too. Brennan Serville is also a draftee (Winnipeg) and has finally started to use his size. One of our better stay at home types. Other than that, he doesn't bring exceptional skating or offensive skills. Clare is a big body, but since his days in the USNDT, he has regressed. He led the team in (-) last season and also had some run-ins within the program combined with injury. Mike Chiasson is the son of former NHLer Steve Chiasson, who was a star in major juniors before the Wings drafted him. (He had an okay career, moved on to Calgary and tragically died in an alcohol related wreck.) Mike, on the other hand, has certain offensive skills, but is a defensive liability at this level.

The other guys in the rotation are freshmen: Mike Downing, who like Bennett, is a smooth skater and is typically a reliable defender. He has a good shot that he hasn't displayed as much as we need him to. Kevin Lohan is a bit of an unknown quantity... but is a big kid, not real mobile, but is a heavy hitter and plays solid positional hockey. He hurt his knee earlier this season and probably won't be back this season. Nolan De Jong appears to also be a good skater but hasn't shown a good deal of offensive skills. Two reserves haven't seen the ice this season and Red has used a junior fourth line forward on the blueline to give it some depth.
Losing Merrill (who would have been a senior), and Trouba (who would have been a sophomore)really hurt- as well as a decommitment from (would be sophomore) Connor Carrick who decided to play major junior and got called up with the Devils. Add another de-commit from a 2014 blue chip d-man recruit has left another hole.

This year's team doesn't rely as much on one or two guys like in the past when they had a Comrie or Cammalari or Hensick etc. to carry them. Guptill, Moffatt and Phil DiGiuseppe were *expected* to carry the offensive torch this season and for the most part have contributed. Copp has been a huge surprise and the freshmen- Compher, Motte, Allen and Nagelvoort have made major impacts. The Ferris game was a bit of an anomaly since they seemed so disjointed in the first period. (It is typically both team's strongest.)I don't think they lean on individual play as much as maybe relying on groups- like the PP- to help their offense. The defense isn't going to contribute much offensively- it just isn't in their make up- so when the forwards are shut down, Michigan is in trouble. When the defense activates it usually is at a high risk of counterattack. It worked against Ohio State, but otherwise Michigan is content with one goal, tight games.

Appreciate the good wishes. We, too would like to see the B1G ten teams achieve as much as they can and attain some respect.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

To follow up on what streaker just posted, the team just came off of a season where it relied on talent to win the day over plays. So I think we can expect times where they go back to that kind of thinking. It takes some work to really get over that, I think- and without a player like Porter, we don't have a forward to lean on while the rest of the team remembers what it means to be a team.

They are doing that, certainly. More and more every game. Or, given the right opponent- the entire game (see BC).

The whole team has displayed enough that I'm sure we can beat anyone, but the part about putting that all together for 60 min, or at least enough time to keep the opposing opportunities down is another question.

It is a lot more fun to watch, this season, that's for sure.

 

[Wisko McBadgerton]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

a number of core teams in the WCHA (especially Bucky) have designs based on the trap just because of the rivalry with us.

Bucky's not in the WCHA of course, but I get what you're on about. As far as the other bit, tArrogance is on maximum overdrive there. Might have a bit more to do with Eaves having played and coached his system in the pros, rather than installing anything "just because of the rivalry with us." But no worries. As I understand it, they're making the kool-aid extra strong over in the Empire these days.

Watched the Ferris St./UM game and my take isn't much different than anybody else's. Poor puck handling and mistakes early left Michigan very lucky to be in it after one, but handled it the rest of the way much better. I just think you see in Ferris State a more experienced team that is exceptionally good at sticking to their systems vs. a Michigan team with superior individual talent, but less disciplined in execution. As the season unfolds I expect Michigan to continue to put longer and longer stretches of good play together.

With our wacky schedule this year, we have six more games before Michigan comes into Madison in which we will hopefully continue to get better. I think I'm glad you guys only have the GLI between now and then.

 

[streaker]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

Bucky's not in the WCHA of course, but I get what you're on about. As far as the other bit, tArrogance is on maximum overdrive there. Might have a bit more to do with Eaves having played and coached his system in the pros, rather than installing anything "just because of the rivalry with us." But no worries. As I understand it, they're making the kool-aid extra strong over in the Empire these days.

I think the same can be said about Bob Daniels who learned his system at MSU under Mason. Funny how the Ferris fan criticism has diminished since Daniels has been able to secure better and better talent, especially on the back line. His system has to be bought into and enhances a roster that may not brag of so many NHL draftees. Goaltending, like anything, is a great equalizer, too. The other thing, being a long time observer... FSU's discipline has turned 180 degrees. They used to be as competitive but spent too much time gooning which took them out of games.

Watched the Ferris St./UM game and my take isn't much different than anybody else's. Poor puck handling and mistakes early left Michigan very lucky to be in it after one, but handled it the rest of the way much better. I just think you see in Ferris State a more experienced team that is exceptionally good at sticking to their systems vs. a Michigan team with superior individual talent, but less disciplined in execution. As the season unfolds I expect Michigan to continue to put longer and longer stretches of good play together.

With our wacky schedule this year, we have six more games before Michigan comes into Madison in which we will hopefully continue to get better. I think I'm glad you guys only have the GLI between now and then.

Ferris at last glance has 12 upperclassmen (who may not all contribute on the ice), so yes, they have a ton of experience and know-how with the system. I think another thing is, they have tasted success at the national level, so they know they can compete with the elite programs. That confidence shows in their play. They can walk into any building now and win, something that their predecessors were only aiming to do.

Michigan is probably too young (only four regular seniors in the lineup) to sustain any kind of system that Red employs. I don't even know if he has a set "team" system, other than for O-zone breakouts, d-zone reverses,PP's, PK's etc. I'm sure they have patterns for forechecking and backchecking, but they adjust it based on the lines on the ice. The bottom line with Michigan and Berenson- he pushes tempo, especially if he has the talent to do it. In game adjustments are made, so playing trapping style teams requires an adjustment to all the above patterns. Ferris, in other words, was better at what they were doing than the younger Michigan kids were to adjusting to what beats that system.

I think alfablue was correct in his assessment that we saw better cohesion earlier in the season because Michigan had to defend against what were bigger and faster teams from HEA. BC was an exceptionally interesting game, chock full of mistakes- but also full of wonderfully ( and equally young) and talented kids. The BU, UNH and UML games were all against bigger, more experienced kids and Michigan showed pretty well. Since then they have drifted away from that mentality to focus on their defensive game first and showcase their individual talents. That wasn't a disrespect to Ferris, just a change in their habits since the start of the season when they were raw and uncertain.

It is more fun to watch, but also frustrating at the same time since the errors they are making are mostly unforced.

 

[hattrick16]

Re: Michigan Wolverines 2013-14 Season Thread: The B1G Time

I think the same can be said about Bob Daniels who learned his system at MSU under Mason. Funny how the Ferris fan criticism has diminished since Daniels has been able to secure better and better talent, especially on the back line. His system has to be bought into and enhances a roster that may not brag of so many NHL draftees. Goaltending, like anything, is a great equalizer, too. The other thing, being a long time observer... FSU's discipline has turned 180 degrees. They used to be as competitive but spent too much time gooning which took them out of games.

I don't disagree with this at all. And after two national coach of the year awards in Big Rapids, Daniels will receive very little criticism. I do think a lot of the defensive systems have come from assistant coach Mark Kaufman who played with Daniels at MSU and also learned from Mason.

Kaufman bio: http://www.ferris.edu/sports/hockey/assistantcoaches/kaufman.htm

My other hope as far as recruiting goes, is that when Ferris alumn Jeff Blashill becomes coach of the Red Wings potential Ferris recruits might see a brighter path to the NHL.