Re: THE University of Michigan 2010-2011 Season Thread
Plenty of time to improve, but every game counts from Day 1. It's early, VERY early, but I couldn't help but think of the effects that single game could have on our PWR at the end of the year. Hopefully it just won't matter much, if it all.
The Hagelin major really changed the flow of last nights game. Until then, we were in control. But that was the catalyst that lead to giving up 4 unanswered goals. I looked at the replay when I got home, and it was questionable as to a 2 or 5, so I can't really fault the crew for giving him the boot.
I've got to think that the line changes after that disrupted the chemistry that does exist, as the team has only had a week of formal practice time. Yes, the top two lines are the same as the end of last year, but it still takes a few weeks to get going again. The offense was out of rhythm.
Too many penalties, obviously. A couple were dumb, but not blatantly stupid, and there were a couple questionable calls in there. It's the first game of the year. I thought out PK did a good job, especially considering that one of our top penalty killers was gone for half of the game.
We gave up way too many odd-man rushes, and ultimately that's what killed us. Mercyhurst was very advantageous in that regard, looking for that outlet pass and pinching guys behind our defense. We definitely didn't defend that well, and that's where they were able to come back and tie the game. Poor defensive coverage by both the defensemen and the forwards.
I couldn't say any one individual had a bad game, but as a team, that left a lot to be desired. There's the wake-up call, and maybe it's a good thing it happened in the first game of the year. We have to be ready, EVERY game. A tie is better than a loss, but last night was essentially a loss.