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NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
- Thread starter Eaglefan06
- Start date
JW Tigers
Go CC, go AFA, Go NU!
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
I thought about the same response you just wrote. Uh, yeah...if CC can beat a loaded BC team in the first round, who brought back their defending National Champion lineup, they have a chance to do well. I thought that was a given...
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
As a Sioux fan, I would like to comment on that game for the benefit of the BC/Mich fans. UNO is a Jekyll and Hyde team that you will either be completely unimpressed by, or will beat you 6-3. I have watched the majority of North Dakota home games since the early 90s and when UND gets down by 2 at home they nearly always respond. The response that game was UNO shoving 4 more goals right up our butt. And these were nice goals on power plays where we were short handed because we tackled a guy to stop them from having a 3 on 1. And UND was not flat that night, they just got smoked. When they have their A games they don't win by one goal, they ROLL UP on people. 4-0 after 2 against Michigan as another example. So be somewhat afraid... Or not, if the stale fart team that lost to Bemidji 9 times shows up...
As a Sioux fan, I would like to comment on that game for the benefit of the BC/Mich fans. UNO is a Jekyll and Hyde team that you will either be completely unimpressed by, or will beat you 6-3. I have watched the majority of North Dakota home games since the early 90s and when UND gets down by 2 at home they nearly always respond. The response that game was UNO shoving 4 more goals right up our butt. And these were nice goals on power plays where we were short handed because we tackled a guy to stop them from having a 3 on 1. And UND was not flat that night, they just got smoked. When they have their A games they don't win by one goal, they ROLL UP on people. 4-0 after 2 against Michigan as another example. So be somewhat afraid... Or not, if the stale fart team that lost to Bemidji 9 times shows up...
JW Tigers
Go CC, go AFA, Go NU!
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
Off the top of my head, I believe CC was 7-7-2 against this year's tournament field. Much like UNO, when CC is on their game, they can beat anyone in the country, but they have had trouble with consistency. They have been strong in the latter part of the season, and I believe that even though they lost to UND in the WCHA tourney, they will be playing with a good deal of confidence due to how well they played in that game.
Obviously BC is a HUGE test for the Tigers. CC is very young (just 3 seniors who play regularly, 4 total). NONE of us can honestly say we expected them to be a tournament team this year, so in some ways I am looking at this as a bonus. It is great for this young team to get some early tourney experience against such a seasoned and proven opponent.
This should be an entertaining game, as both teams favor an up tempo style of play. Like BC, CC is best when they are on the attack. They are not a very good team when they play a more passive style, so I would expect them to play a fairly aggressive (but hopefully not reckless) game. Obviously, that could leave them vulnerable to BC's speed, skill, and ability to turn ANYTHING into a scoring chance. With two attacking teams, it has potential to be a high scoring game, but I would rather see that than watch the Tigers lose 5-1 by playing passive. BC will be on the attack either way, so CC might as well stay in their element by playing the same way.
Off the top of my head, I believe CC was 7-7-2 against this year's tournament field. Much like UNO, when CC is on their game, they can beat anyone in the country, but they have had trouble with consistency. They have been strong in the latter part of the season, and I believe that even though they lost to UND in the WCHA tourney, they will be playing with a good deal of confidence due to how well they played in that game.
Obviously BC is a HUGE test for the Tigers. CC is very young (just 3 seniors who play regularly, 4 total). NONE of us can honestly say we expected them to be a tournament team this year, so in some ways I am looking at this as a bonus. It is great for this young team to get some early tourney experience against such a seasoned and proven opponent.
This should be an entertaining game, as both teams favor an up tempo style of play. Like BC, CC is best when they are on the attack. They are not a very good team when they play a more passive style, so I would expect them to play a fairly aggressive (but hopefully not reckless) game. Obviously, that could leave them vulnerable to BC's speed, skill, and ability to turn ANYTHING into a scoring chance. With two attacking teams, it has potential to be a high scoring game, but I would rather see that than watch the Tigers lose 5-1 by playing passive. BC will be on the attack either way, so CC might as well stay in their element by playing the same way.
sbkbghockey
Registered User
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
This Regional has some real potential to have some upsets. UNO and CC are both really young teams but have some talented players. They can be either really good or really bad. If CC plays BC similar to how they played UND in the Final Five there could be a huge upset. J Schwartz is a St. Louis Blues 1st round draft choice so there will hopefully be lots of local St. Louis Blues fans pulling for a CC upset and getting a look at a promising young player. Also for Michigan, Red Berenson is an ex Blue. Michigan looked flat against Western Michigan in the CCHA Mason Cup Tournament but I have a feeling Red will have his team ready to compete. Michigan and UNO played each other early in the season at Ann Arbor and the series was a split, UNO won 4-2 but then Michigan destroyed them 6-1.
This Regional has some real potential to have some upsets. UNO and CC are both really young teams but have some talented players. They can be either really good or really bad. If CC plays BC similar to how they played UND in the Final Five there could be a huge upset. J Schwartz is a St. Louis Blues 1st round draft choice so there will hopefully be lots of local St. Louis Blues fans pulling for a CC upset and getting a look at a promising young player. Also for Michigan, Red Berenson is an ex Blue. Michigan looked flat against Western Michigan in the CCHA Mason Cup Tournament but I have a feeling Red will have his team ready to compete. Michigan and UNO played each other early in the season at Ann Arbor and the series was a split, UNO won 4-2 but then Michigan destroyed them 6-1.
sbkbghockey
Registered User
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
I agree, I think we're going to see two different games on Friday. The Michigan-UNO game will probably be lower scoring, more defensive and methodical, esp if Michigan is still banged up. CC-BC is going to be a fast, back and forth high risk-high reward game and possibly a combined score with 10, 11, maybe up to 13 goals.
I agree, I think we're going to see two different games on Friday. The Michigan-UNO game will probably be lower scoring, more defensive and methodical, esp if Michigan is still banged up. CC-BC is going to be a fast, back and forth high risk-high reward game and possibly a combined score with 10, 11, maybe up to 13 goals.
PenaltyBoxBeast
Black and Gold for Life
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
CC is the giant killer in this tournament. Don't let the 4th seed "label" fool you, this team is hungry. BC swept DU at Magness at the beginning of the year... but CC beat DU 9-2. If DU is the best way to judge how BC will matchup to the Tigers, I love our chances. If TJ can heal enough wounds to give us a three tier scoring threat, then CC can easily hack down another giant.
CC is the giant killer in this tournament. Don't let the 4th seed "label" fool you, this team is hungry. BC swept DU at Magness at the beginning of the year... but CC beat DU 9-2. If DU is the best way to judge how BC will matchup to the Tigers, I love our chances. If TJ can heal enough wounds to give us a three tier scoring threat, then CC can easily hack down another giant.
JW Tigers
Go CC, go AFA, Go NU!
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
Just sayin'
This is a stretch, IMO. CC took it to Denver on the Olympic ice, where their speed overwhelmed the Pioneers both times they played. However, on the NHL sheet at Magness, where BC dismantled DU, DU beat CC both times.
Just sayin'
carltonbarrett
New member
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
Here's an overveiw of what to expect from BC. Top line is smallish, but very fast and very, very dynamic with great hockey sense. Two of the three have already broken the 50 point mark and Cam Atkinson, who has 30 goals, may be the best pure goal scorer in the country. Second line is pretty much line 1-A, especially with Kreider apparently back in the mix now. They're big, great at cycling and depending upon who's on the line, could all be 1st (2) and 2nd (1) rd NHL picks - again, very talented and at times can flat out dominate. Third line is also very talented (see Steve Whitney's goal vs NU), but they are a bit younger than the first two lines and don't yet produce points at the same rate as the first two lines, though they have picked up the pace as of late. Not sure who will be on the 4th line now with Kreider back, but that line has generally been any energy line that can hold its own, but that is not much of a scoring threat. On defense, Domoulin, who is piling up the assists and Cross, who has a great wrist shot are both All-American caliber players who rarely make a mistake. Wey doesn't have the same offensive skills as those two, but is still a very smooth skating, dependable D-Man. Those 3 will be on the ice for sure during crunch time. Samuelsson, who was a 2nd rd pick can look very good at times but can also make the occasional bonehead play. Alber is a quick smallish guy that has been inconsistent lately, as has Shea. They definately get less minutes than the other 4. As a whole, it's a talented bunch with several high draft picks and great size at 1-4. They are also a bit young, but still very experienced having won the title last year. In net, what else is there to say about Muse? 8-0 in the NCAA's and something like 23-1 in the playoffs overall. Really gets up for the big games and rarely lets in a softie. In summation, expect relentless speed and pressure from BC's forwards and the best way to beat them on D is to get the puck to the net and hope for rebounds, screens and lucky bounces. They are too quick to try and pass the puck around the perimeter and are excellent at blocking shots. It will take dirty goals to beat them. Hope that helps!
Here's an overveiw of what to expect from BC. Top line is smallish, but very fast and very, very dynamic with great hockey sense. Two of the three have already broken the 50 point mark and Cam Atkinson, who has 30 goals, may be the best pure goal scorer in the country. Second line is pretty much line 1-A, especially with Kreider apparently back in the mix now. They're big, great at cycling and depending upon who's on the line, could all be 1st (2) and 2nd (1) rd NHL picks - again, very talented and at times can flat out dominate. Third line is also very talented (see Steve Whitney's goal vs NU), but they are a bit younger than the first two lines and don't yet produce points at the same rate as the first two lines, though they have picked up the pace as of late. Not sure who will be on the 4th line now with Kreider back, but that line has generally been any energy line that can hold its own, but that is not much of a scoring threat. On defense, Domoulin, who is piling up the assists and Cross, who has a great wrist shot are both All-American caliber players who rarely make a mistake. Wey doesn't have the same offensive skills as those two, but is still a very smooth skating, dependable D-Man. Those 3 will be on the ice for sure during crunch time. Samuelsson, who was a 2nd rd pick can look very good at times but can also make the occasional bonehead play. Alber is a quick smallish guy that has been inconsistent lately, as has Shea. They definately get less minutes than the other 4. As a whole, it's a talented bunch with several high draft picks and great size at 1-4. They are also a bit young, but still very experienced having won the title last year. In net, what else is there to say about Muse? 8-0 in the NCAA's and something like 23-1 in the playoffs overall. Really gets up for the big games and rarely lets in a softie. In summation, expect relentless speed and pressure from BC's forwards and the best way to beat them on D is to get the puck to the net and hope for rebounds, screens and lucky bounces. They are too quick to try and pass the puck around the perimeter and are excellent at blocking shots. It will take dirty goals to beat them. Hope that helps!
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Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
Michigan saw UNO twice at Yost and split last October. The first game the Wolverines came out uninspired and had their tails handed to them. They pulled that routine a half a dozen times this season, especially on Friday, so that doesn't bode well. Their worse games this season were against UNO, @ Minnesota, MSU @ JLA, @ Miami and last Friday against WMU @JLA. They lost once on Saturday all season- at Miami. The second game against UNO they bombed them 6-1, pretty much jumped on them from the opening faceoff. So, it will depend on what team comes out- the uninterested, deer in the headlights friday team, or the tail on fire, we can beat anybody saturday team.
They also beat CC 6-5 in the GLI final, coming back from a third period 5-4 deficit. It probably exposed the biggest deficiency that Michigan has: penalty killing. Michigan's overall defensive play was pretty strong all season, but took a nap against WMU- and once again the penalty killers gave up 3 PP goals. Every team suffers from injuries, but Michigan lost their 2nd leading goal scorer on a team that sometimes struggles to score one night, then blows up the next. They get scoring from three of their four lines, though- at least ten players had over ten points, with six with over 20 points. Their team speed is one of their biggest assets, but they are not a physical bunch nor are they overly big. The defense jumps into the offense frequently and was top five in the country in blue line points. They also did not have one of their top four defenders at the CCHA championships due to illness- and that did impact their coverage.
Michigan usually has better depth, but it was hit late this season by two players being removed from the team... then these injuries to Wohlberg (done for the year) and Caporusso who returned this past weekend. They only rotate two players out of the lineup now- one on defense and a 4th line forward.
Michigan will only advance in the tournament if they stay disciplined, minimize the neutral zone and defensive zone turnovers which killed them and scratch together some offense before their opponent can settle into the game. The goaltending is maligned with Shawn Hunwick- but don't be fooled. If he is on, he is really good. It will take a complete defensive effort to clear his big rebounds and cover for the fact that he has to come further out from his crease to cut angles.
The Wolverines are not a confident bunch right now, so they will definitely be in for a rough go if UNO jumps on them early. I imagine UNO will use their size as they did earlier this season. Michigan won't outskate them and may have to implement dump and chase instead of puck possession- in order to pressure their defense-Michigan is quicker than UNO's defense.
If Michigan gets by UNO and BC presumably beats CC, then BC will have a decided depth, offensive and goaltending advantage. It will take a perfect game to beat BC, even if Michigan can match their speed. I imagine they would want to exploit Michigan's defense as other good teams did this season- either in drawing calls or out skilling them in the defensive zone.
Michigan saw UNO twice at Yost and split last October. The first game the Wolverines came out uninspired and had their tails handed to them. They pulled that routine a half a dozen times this season, especially on Friday, so that doesn't bode well. Their worse games this season were against UNO, @ Minnesota, MSU @ JLA, @ Miami and last Friday against WMU @JLA. They lost once on Saturday all season- at Miami. The second game against UNO they bombed them 6-1, pretty much jumped on them from the opening faceoff. So, it will depend on what team comes out- the uninterested, deer in the headlights friday team, or the tail on fire, we can beat anybody saturday team.
They also beat CC 6-5 in the GLI final, coming back from a third period 5-4 deficit. It probably exposed the biggest deficiency that Michigan has: penalty killing. Michigan's overall defensive play was pretty strong all season, but took a nap against WMU- and once again the penalty killers gave up 3 PP goals. Every team suffers from injuries, but Michigan lost their 2nd leading goal scorer on a team that sometimes struggles to score one night, then blows up the next. They get scoring from three of their four lines, though- at least ten players had over ten points, with six with over 20 points. Their team speed is one of their biggest assets, but they are not a physical bunch nor are they overly big. The defense jumps into the offense frequently and was top five in the country in blue line points. They also did not have one of their top four defenders at the CCHA championships due to illness- and that did impact their coverage.
Michigan usually has better depth, but it was hit late this season by two players being removed from the team... then these injuries to Wohlberg (done for the year) and Caporusso who returned this past weekend. They only rotate two players out of the lineup now- one on defense and a 4th line forward.
Michigan will only advance in the tournament if they stay disciplined, minimize the neutral zone and defensive zone turnovers which killed them and scratch together some offense before their opponent can settle into the game. The goaltending is maligned with Shawn Hunwick- but don't be fooled. If he is on, he is really good. It will take a complete defensive effort to clear his big rebounds and cover for the fact that he has to come further out from his crease to cut angles.
The Wolverines are not a confident bunch right now, so they will definitely be in for a rough go if UNO jumps on them early. I imagine UNO will use their size as they did earlier this season. Michigan won't outskate them and may have to implement dump and chase instead of puck possession- in order to pressure their defense-Michigan is quicker than UNO's defense.
If Michigan gets by UNO and BC presumably beats CC, then BC will have a decided depth, offensive and goaltending advantage. It will take a perfect game to beat BC, even if Michigan can match their speed. I imagine they would want to exploit Michigan's defense as other good teams did this season- either in drawing calls or out skilling them in the defensive zone.
SteveF
* * * * *
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
i didnt realize CC only played one game all year. they must be well rested.
i didnt realize CC only played one game all year. they must be well rested.
billb
New member
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
From what I've seen, BC fans let the team do the talking on the ice.
From what I've seen, BC fans let the team do the talking on the ice.
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
If CC and Mich make it to the second round don't forget CC and Mich played one game this season also. It was in the GLI in Michigan which saw CC lead the game in the third period only to see Mich score two and win the game by one.
It has been pure pleasure to watch Jaden and his older brother Rylan play on the same team and on the same line with Stephen Schultz (Westbury, NY). CC will need these three stars to be stars against BC. Tyler Johnson (for CC) has been hurting, but when healthy is a sniper!
Go Tigers!
If CC and Mich make it to the second round don't forget CC and Mich played one game this season also. It was in the GLI in Michigan which saw CC lead the game in the third period only to see Mich score two and win the game by one.
It has been pure pleasure to watch Jaden and his older brother Rylan play on the same team and on the same line with Stephen Schultz (Westbury, NY). CC will need these three stars to be stars against BC. Tyler Johnson (for CC) has been hurting, but when healthy is a sniper!
Go Tigers!
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
That could be, with the exception of one BC fan who already posted some trash. But every team has one, we do too.
That could be, with the exception of one BC fan who already posted some trash. But every team has one, we do too.
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
This regional certainly doesn't lack coaching. By my count there are eight NCAA championships represented here.
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
Some may feel that way; most do not. Like all fan bases we are a diverse group, but the vast majority of us respect the game and our opponents. Enjoy the matches next weekend.
Some may feel that way; most do not. Like all fan bases we are a diverse group, but the vast majority of us respect the game and our opponents. Enjoy the matches next weekend.
joegrav
New member
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
I just want to thank everyone on here so far for what has been an extremely informative thread. This is one of the few times where I really feel more enlightened and informed about the upcoming games thanks to a thread on USCHO, haha. Good stuff from the posters about all four schools.
I can't add much about BC that carltonbarret didn't put better than I could. I will say that based on what I've seen on Fox College Sports & what I've read on here, I like BC's matchup with CC. BC tends to do really well against teams that like to go up and down the ice and play a fast-paced game - that's their game, and they have enough talent to beat anyone when playing their game. Obviously CC has a lot of goo, young talent and can't be dismissed, but I do like the matchup, style-wise.
UNO seems like the kind of team that can be tricky for BC - physically imposing, well-coached. This year's BC team doesn't seem to be as physical as last year's, which has been a weakness in some games. Michigan definitely frightens me as a BC fan, they have enough talent to beat anyone in the tournament, despite their injuries and a bit of a quesiton mark in goal.
I just want to thank everyone on here so far for what has been an extremely informative thread. This is one of the few times where I really feel more enlightened and informed about the upcoming games thanks to a thread on USCHO, haha. Good stuff from the posters about all four schools.
I can't add much about BC that carltonbarret didn't put better than I could. I will say that based on what I've seen on Fox College Sports & what I've read on here, I like BC's matchup with CC. BC tends to do really well against teams that like to go up and down the ice and play a fast-paced game - that's their game, and they have enough talent to beat anyone when playing their game. Obviously CC has a lot of goo, young talent and can't be dismissed, but I do like the matchup, style-wise.
UNO seems like the kind of team that can be tricky for BC - physically imposing, well-coached. This year's BC team doesn't seem to be as physical as last year's, which has been a weakness in some games. Michigan definitely frightens me as a BC fan, they have enough talent to beat anyone in the tournament, despite their injuries and a bit of a quesiton mark in goal.
JW Tigers
Go CC, go AFA, Go NU!
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
After living in Boston for a couple years, I spent a lot of time watching BC hockey, and there is NO team, nor coach in the country who I respect more than BC and Jerry York. I, too, would have confidence in BC when it comes to playing that up and down, breakneck style. They are absolutely amazing in transition. However, CC isn't the type of team who would do well to turn it into it a slow, physical game. For that, UNO is the team. CC will be better off taking their chances in a fast paced game, as it is also their style, though they are not nearly as experienced at this level as BC.
Whatever the outcome, this has the makings of a fun game between two highly skilled and fast teams.
Agreed. I have been mostly impressed by the posts here, and I think we have some good fan bases to draw from. And for the record, yes, I do think this is the "Regional of Death". None of these are teams anyone wants to face in a one and done scenario.
After living in Boston for a couple years, I spent a lot of time watching BC hockey, and there is NO team, nor coach in the country who I respect more than BC and Jerry York. I, too, would have confidence in BC when it comes to playing that up and down, breakneck style. They are absolutely amazing in transition. However, CC isn't the type of team who would do well to turn it into it a slow, physical game. For that, UNO is the team. CC will be better off taking their chances in a fast paced game, as it is also their style, though they are not nearly as experienced at this level as BC.
Whatever the outcome, this has the makings of a fun game between two highly skilled and fast teams.
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
Not at all. While one game isn't a true indicator, all York has to do is inform his team how CC played UND the other night in a virtual home game for the Sioux. Throw in that BC will have no home crowd advantage typical of a #1 seed...not David vs. Goliath at all.
Considering a school with only 2,000 students gave BC fits this year and in the HE title game, I doubt it.
I'd be surprised if there's double digit goals, but ya never know.
Come on, this isn't great logic. Is there any other team in the country that beat Denver 9-2 in one game? Going off of that, CC would beat any opponent that played Denver.
What do people think the attendance will be in St. Louis? Will locals pick up the relatively cheap ticket? I'm hoping for 5,000 but even that might be too high. Doesn't make sense to have it in such a large venue.
Not at all. While one game isn't a true indicator, all York has to do is inform his team how CC played UND the other night in a virtual home game for the Sioux. Throw in that BC will have no home crowd advantage typical of a #1 seed...not David vs. Goliath at all.
Considering a school with only 2,000 students gave BC fits this year and in the HE title game, I doubt it.
I'd be surprised if there's double digit goals, but ya never know.
Come on, this isn't great logic. Is there any other team in the country that beat Denver 9-2 in one game? Going off of that, CC would beat any opponent that played Denver.
What do people think the attendance will be in St. Louis? Will locals pick up the relatively cheap ticket? I'm hoping for 5,000 but even that might be too high. Doesn't make sense to have it in such a large venue.
Re: NCAA West Regional - 3/25, 3/26 - BC, Michigan, UNO, CC
Michigan doesn't have the same offensive punch as in the past.. not that they are not capable, but it hasn't been consistent. Carl Hagelin was the 4th leading scorer in the CCHA with 17-28-45 during the regular season, plus he added a goal yesterday. Louie Caporusso had a down year (9-17-26) but did have 3 points this weekend, including a goal yesterday. He missed the CCHA 2nd round series with BGSU due to a lower body injury. He was a 26 goal man in 2009-10. Wohlberg's loss really hurts, he is a pure sniper (15 goals)and is technically being replaced with a choice of two fourth liners that tallied 2 goals the whole season (although one of them got the game winner against Notre Dame.)
Let me clarify something about Michigan's goaltending. Shawn Hunwick is a solid D-1 netminder- he is NOT a question mark. He led the CCHA in GAA and save % and was the CCHA goaltender of the year. He has a quick glove and is extremely agile. Teams like to go high on him because he is only 5'5", which is why he has to come out farther to cut down angles. It's important for his defense to cover the backside post because cross ice opportunities on rebounds etc. are vulnerable. Seems to be the M.O. on opponent PP set-ups for one timers, too. If Jeff Lerg could lead MSU to a victory (and a title) over BC, Hunwick is surely capable as well. He has bailed Michigan out more than once this season (just ask ND saturday or UNH earlier this season), but he certainly isn't superman, especially against teams that can snipe it. He goes as his defense in front of him goes. He was one blown call from the Frozen Four last season.
Michigan doesn't have the same offensive punch as in the past.. not that they are not capable, but it hasn't been consistent. Carl Hagelin was the 4th leading scorer in the CCHA with 17-28-45 during the regular season, plus he added a goal yesterday. Louie Caporusso had a down year (9-17-26) but did have 3 points this weekend, including a goal yesterday. He missed the CCHA 2nd round series with BGSU due to a lower body injury. He was a 26 goal man in 2009-10. Wohlberg's loss really hurts, he is a pure sniper (15 goals)and is technically being replaced with a choice of two fourth liners that tallied 2 goals the whole season (although one of them got the game winner against Notre Dame.)
Let me clarify something about Michigan's goaltending. Shawn Hunwick is a solid D-1 netminder- he is NOT a question mark. He led the CCHA in GAA and save % and was the CCHA goaltender of the year. He has a quick glove and is extremely agile. Teams like to go high on him because he is only 5'5", which is why he has to come out farther to cut down angles. It's important for his defense to cover the backside post because cross ice opportunities on rebounds etc. are vulnerable. Seems to be the M.O. on opponent PP set-ups for one timers, too. If Jeff Lerg could lead MSU to a victory (and a title) over BC, Hunwick is surely capable as well. He has bailed Michigan out more than once this season (just ask ND saturday or UNH earlier this season), but he certainly isn't superman, especially against teams that can snipe it. He goes as his defense in front of him goes. He was one blown call from the Frozen Four last season.