St. Lawrence Preview

Michigan comes into this game with a 3-0 record, and I wouldn't expect anything less than another big win from the Maize and Blue.  The defense, although giving up some relatively good chances early in the young 2011-2012 season,  has looked very good.  Ever since Merrill was suspended, question marks started popping up everywhere.  Who's going to be the blue line threat on the powerplay?  Will any defenseman register 20+ points?  Rest assured Wolverine faithful, the blueline will be fine.  The biggest concerns I had this year was where was the offense going to come from?!  Even that question has been answered (granted, it is early in the year) thus far.  Averaging 4.6 goals per game, the Michigan forwards, especially underclassman have stepped up huge.  Thursday against St. Lawrence will be another day for them to prove themselves.  Let's look ahead to this one game homestand to see where Michigan can improve, and what they need to do in order to get a W.

Keys to the game:

-Physcal play!  Michigan needs to be physical with St. Lawrence, especially in the defensive zone.  St.  Lawrence has never been a team known for their size, so the Wolverines need to take body every chance they get.  Grind the Saints down, and use Yost to our advantage. 
-Continue being successful on the PP.  28% is a pretty tremendous number, and if Michigan can convert on 25% of their chances tommorow, consider it a success.
- Let Hunwick become comfortable in net.  A little contradictory to my other keys to success, but do not be mistaken, Michigan NEEDS Hunwick.  The CCHA goaltender of the week has been simply on fire in the first three games.  What the defense needs to focus on is boosting Shawn's confidence.  "But how?", one might ask, and the answer is simple.  Again, eliminate odd man rushes, and force St. Lawerence to shoot outside shots.  Shawn will have no problems with these types of shots, and he's proven before that he can easily make 40 saves without seeing too many quality opportunities (North Dakota, last year).  Now, giving up 40 shots to St. Lawrence would be another story, but look for Hunwick to make around 25-30 saves in this game. 
-EARLY START.   Coming on strong in the third period has been an early common theme for the Wolverines, and look for them to come out swinging early in this one.  Yes, we've outscored opponents 3-1 in the first period...but a stronger start will lead to a stronger finish in my opinion.  We waited to turn it on in the 3rd against Bentley, and the sense of urgency seemed to fill Yost.  Not like we were in a come-from-behind scenario, but peppering their goalie all night had to pay off eventually.  Hopefully it doesn't take a late surge to light the lamp.

Prediction:  W 4-0

Look for Hunwick to increase his sterling numbers, and for Chris Brown to have a big game with at least three points.  The freshmen will yet again contribute, and Michigan will play it's most complete game yet.  See you tomorrow at Yost. The puck drops at 7:35.