Bentley Series Preview
The University of Michigan mens ice hockey team (No. 6 USCHO poll/No.9 USA Today 1-0-0 overall, 0-0-0 CCHA) is set for a weekend series against the Bentley Falcons (0-0-0). Michigan enters the contest playing on (somewhat) short rest as the Wolverines defeated Niagara on Monday, and the US U-18 team on Sunday night. The Wolverines came out flying in their season opener Monday, unleashing 5 goals on 37 shots. Michigan was led by Junior Lindsay Sparks (3g-1a-4p) in a game that saw a total of 75 shots combined between the two teams. Sparks registered his first goal just after the one minute mark of the first period, and it proved to be all of the offense the Wolverines would need, as Sr. Shawn Hunwick and So. Adam Janecyk combined for a 38-save shutout of the Purple Eagles.
Looking forward to Friday night's matchup, the Wolverines look to answer a couple of questions from their blue-liners, who surrendered 38 shots to Niagara on Monday. Michigan has gotten consistant play from goaltender Shawn Hunwick, but the defense needs to take aim at lowering the work load of their star goaltender. Hunwick, who will pressumably start every game for the maize and blue this year, seems to have picked up where he left off last season, falling just short of Michigan's tenth NCAA title. There's no doubt that if Michigan wants to repeat it's successes of last season, they must become a defensive minded team. The loss of So. Jon Merrill for 12 games due to a suspension is a big blow the the Wolverines blue-liners. Merrill, an All-CCHA rookie defenseman last year recorded 7g-18-25p last year as a Freshman, and was figured to play a large roll in shaping this year's defense. Michigan now looks to Kevin Clare (So.), Lee Moffie (Jr.), and steady defenseman Greg Pateryn (Sr.) to be leaders among the Michigan defensemen.
Coming into the 2011-2012 campaign, offensive production was a huge question mark for the maize and blue, who lost four of their top five point getters from last year's team. Lindsay Sparks provided somewhat of an answer registering a hat-trick against Niagara, but the Wolverines need more from Forwards Chris Brown (Jr.), and captain Luke Glendening. Other forwards that are looking to make an impact this year are Freshmen Zach Hyman, and Phil Di Giuseppe. Both looked strong in Michigan's exhibition games, and are expected by Red Berenson to produce goals.
Bentley-The Falcons come into Ann Arbor looking to improve off of last years 10-18-6 record, and returns eight of their top 10 scorers, as well as 10 of their top 12. Bentley aslo returns their top six defensemen as well, and are bringing a lot of depth into Yost.
Key Players for Michigan- Three players that must elevate their game if Michigan wants to continue to be perfect on the season are Lindsay Sparks, Chris Brown, and as usual, goaltender Shawn Hunwick.
Keys to the Game- Michigan must start quickly out of the gates again, and utilize their aggressive forecheck. Michigan cashed in at the 1:02 mark of the first period against Niagara and never looked back.
-Stay out of penalty trouble. Although Michigan was a perfect six-for-six killing penalties on Monday, they have to play more diciplined tonight. Bentley isn't a team you want to give free chances to, so look for Michigan to play a more conservative defense game.
-Force shooters to the outside, and limit odd-man rushes. With a steady goaltender like Shawn Hunwick in nets for Michigan, he should be able to save around 99% of the outside shots he sees. Denying Bentley shots from the slot, and eliminating bodies from in front of the net should be a primary focus for the Michigan defense. Michigan also must limit the amount of odd-man rushes. Maybe it was first game jitters, but Michigan over-pursued Naigara multiple times, which led to trouble. Again, Michigan cannot rely on Shawn Hunwick to steal games for them.
Series Prediction- Friday-W 2-1, Saturday W 4-3
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