Story of the night (James Coller)

OFFENSE

Analysis: Michigan’s offense created tons of chances and got into the House at an incredible rate of 60%…and high volume, too. They had plenty of looks and worked Ferris’s defense over, but Justin Kapelmaster –who came into this game with a sub-.900 save percentage- was equal to everything Michigan threw at him. He was phenomenal. My goalie guru says he was great on the posts and down low. I cannot argue with that. Still, somehow, with all of those chances, the Wolverines were denied an even strength goal. Sports, I guess.

[Hit THE JUMP for more on the defense, goaltending, and special teams]

DEFENSE

Analysis: The defense started off very poorly and then got a lot better. Ironic, because the game-winner in overtime came from an unchecked shooter, just outside the dot. Michigan was sloppy and then cleaned everything up and kept the puck out of dangerous areas for all but a few times. This was the bounce-back that the defense needed to have. They did have a couple of breakdowns, but chances for Ferris after the first period were few and far between. Ferris made their few looks count, though. Frustrating.

Look who had two more powerplay points (James Coller)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Analysis: Michigan drew seven penalties and moved the puck very well. They ended with 19 attempts and seven shots. They also scored both of their goals. The Wolverines mostly stuck to the Star (guy on each post and a triangle up top) and it looked good. They had numerous great looks that didn’t turn into attempts and enough attempts that were not on frame. A 29% hit rate is still great, though. On the flip side, Ferris did little on their two chances. We’ll see what happens against Minnesota and Wisconsin, but Michigan’s PK is starting to look legit elite.

Lavigne was good, not great (James Coller)

GOALTENDING

Analysis: Lavigne started and played fine up until the tying goal. He bailed Michigan out time and time again in the first period where leaky defense was prevalent. After that, he was fine for a period and a half but didn’t have to do a lot. The tying goal was on him, though. His angle seemed to be off and after the puck came off the boards, he didn’t get out to the shooter in time. He did get a piece of it and if he’s at the right distance, that shot had a good shot of going wide. I’m still not down on Lavigne and I’m certainly not pinning this loss on him, but I do wonder if LaFontaine plays well next Friday, will the rotation continue? Both goalies have been lights out and this game might have been the first that was not stellar.

ODD-MAN RUSHES

Analysis: Again, this was fine. Hughes was trying to make a play and got caught up ice. Luke Martin made a great defensive play and broke up the shot attempt. Then there was nothing for a long time. The OT rush was a 3v1 because Michigan was going for it and the puck came around and out and Ferris had their guys away. The centering pass was off and the puck trickled wide. That’s fine. Go win it in OT. Bad luck and then good luck for not facing a better shot. I can live with this.

FINAL CORSI NUMBERS

I had: Michigan 60, Ferris State 41

www.collegehockeynews.com had: Michigan 62, Ferris State 42