Starting 2013 Off Right - Nanooks Take Down Michigan 5-4

After posting the stats about the Nanooks with 2 goal leads from November, I'm glad the 'Nooks were able to power through tonight. Like most of you I'm sure, my heart started racing after Alex Guptill tied the game in the 2nd. But that 4th line tonight really got to it tonight and got some production. Great to see. Speaking of, congratulations are due to freshman forward Matt Friese who tallied his first career goal, and his first career assist as his first two career points go up against the Wolverines. That line accounted for 2 goals tonight at key points in the game and in my opinion was the difference maker tonight.

Special teams was also crucial in tonights win as the penalty kill was perfect, denying all 4 of Michigan's chances with the man advantage. And even tallying a shorthanded goal for good measure. I think we're really seeing the value of Tyler Morley come through if you haven't seen it already. What I see in Tyler is a hard worker that finishes every play. He skates hard until the whistle blows every time. Not just some of the time. And when Taranto got that shot on goal, Morley could have retreated. He could have made the change, gotten off the ice for some fresh legs to finish the PK. He could have played back and made the safe play to counter Michigan's next rush. But no, he pressured and got to the loose puck before anybody else could touch it and jammed it home. And that shorty turned into the game winner as Michigan was able to get one with the extra attacker.

Overall a good game for the Nanooks tonight. Perhaps a bit of a concern defensively, but a roller coaster of a game, you couldn't expect that Michigan wouldn't at least keep it close no matter how many goals were scored. But the Nanooks made the most of their opportunities tonight and held on for the win, which was the most important thing. Tomorrow will be the chance for the sweep, and to possibly move up to tie for 6th with Ferris State, who lost to OSU.

Also as if tonight couldn't get any better, Tyler Currier gave away a 3-2 lead over number one Minnesota in Mariucci Arena earlier tonight. With Minnesota player engaged along the boards, Currier came up and clocked a Minnesota player from behind and was tossed out of the game with about 4 minutes left. Giving Minnesota a 5 minute major power play. Minnesota didn't just tie it, they pulled ahead and won 4-3. I watched it. And I laughed for about 5 minutes afterwards.