2 more games. 2 more wins and the Michigan hockey team will be national champions. However, it is not going to be easy. The first matchup is this upcoming Thursday when the Michigan Wolverines face the Denver Pioneers in the Frozen Four.
The Pioneers overall record is 29-9-1 on the season, and leading the NCAA in scoring offense, averaging 4.28 goals per game. Michigan hockey, however, is not far behind. With a 31-9-1 record, the Wolverines are in third place in the NCAA, averaging 4.02 goals per game.
With both teams leading the country in scoring, this game is going to be an offensive battle. Both teams have offensive weapons, Denver with Hobey Baker finalist Bobby Brink, who leads the country in points (14 G, 42 A). As well as Cole Guttman (19 G, 26 A) and Carter Savoie (22 G, 22 A), who are both high goal scorers.
Michigan’s point leader is Matty Beniers (20 G, 23 A) and their leading goal scorer is Brendan Brisson (21 G, 21 A). Not to mention standout freshman defensemen Luke Hughes, who has 17 goals and 22 assists on the season.
3 keys for Michigan hockey to advance to the National Championship
Keep momentum going: In the past two games in the tournament, Michigan hockey got a good lead going, usually by a few goals. The Wolverines dominate nearly the whole game. Usually in the third period, they let off the gas and start playing careless. This leads to sloppy defense and unnecessary penalties. In the last game against Quinnipiac, this caused the Bobcats to nearly tie it up late in the third period. In these single elimination games, that won’t slide with some teams… especially Denver.
Continue limiting penalties: Michigan hockey has cut down on the number of penalties it takes each game. The Wolverines average 4.8 penalties each game, but that has gone down immensely in the past few games. Them limiting penalties has been extremely beneficial for them. Most of the goals from the opposing team as of recently have come from power plays. It is usually late in the game, when Michigan start playing careless. These penalties are completely avoidable. Michigan needs to avoid penalties at all costs especially if they want to beat Denver.
Put pressure on Chrona: Denver goaltender, Magnus Chrona, is one of the best goalies in the NCAA. With his save percentage being .909, and goals allowed average being 2.3, he is going to be ready to go against the Wolverines.
We see how it worked out when Michigan put pressure on Quinnipiac, who has a Richter Award finalist goaltender. They scored 7 goals on one of the best defenses and best goalies in the country. Michigan must do the same thing with Denver. They have to keep the pressure on Chrona and take shots on goal. Keeping the puck in the offensive zone, tiring out the Pioneers defense, as well as Chrona will be the key to winning this game.
This game is going to be a good one, and you’re not going to want to miss it. Watch the Michigan Wolverines face off against the Denver Pioneers in the Frozen Four on Thursday at 5 pm EST on ESPN2.