The Nanooks have now lost a second defensemen. Sophomore Justin Daigle, who was on the line charts from last night, has officially been listed as an injury scratch for this evening. The lines for the 'Nooks are identical to last night. Greenham will get another start tonight, and Bryan Hogan is also listed as the starting goalie for Michigan, but one could imagine giving Shawn Hunwick a crack at the start tonight, but apparently not.
#14 Alaska
F1 Kevin Petovello (C) - Cody Kunyk - Andy Taranto
F2 Colton Beck - Jarret Granberg - Dustin Sather
F3 Carlo Finucci - Derek Klassen (A) - Ron Meyers
F4 Nik Yaremchuk - Justin Filzen - Erik Slemp
D1 Joe Sova - Aaron Gens
D2 Bryant Molle (A) - Cody Butcher
D3 Justin Daigle - Scott Enders
G1 Scott Greenham
G2 Colin Rundell
#5 Michigan
F1 Carl Hagelin - Louie Caporusso - Kevin Lynch
F2 David Wohlberg - Matt Rust - Luke Glendening
F3 Luke Moffatt - A.J. Treais - Chris Brown
F4 Scooter Vaughan - Ben Winnett - Derek DeBlois
D1 Greg Pateryn - Kevin Clare
D2 Tristin Llewellyn - Brandon Burlon
D3 Chad Langlais - Jon Merrill
G1 Bryan Hogan
G2 Shawn Hunwick
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Nanooks Blank the Wolverines Behind the Great Wall of Greenham, 3-0.
"Remember, remember, the 5th of November..."
Congratulations to Scott Greenham, who is now tied with Chad Johnson and Wylie Rodgers for the career shutout record with 7. Tonight also marks the second time in program history that the Nanooks have held the goose egg against Michigan, and the Great Wall of Greenham was between the pipes to record both of those shutouts. "It's an honor to be in the same bracket as those two guys. They were both great goalies when they were here, and they're both having really good professional careers as well. It's great to be in the same category." Greenham said after the game.
After about 30 seconds of feeling out the Wolverines, the Nanooks took it to them. Pass after pass was intercepted off the forecheck and in the neutral zone, and the 'Nooks would just take it back and start running the offense again. Like I said on my preview, Michigan heavily relies on passes through the middle, and the 'Nooks just plugged those lanes with guys and took the puck away from them, and kept it in the offensive zone. The Nanooks attempted 29 total shots in that period alone, with 11 getting to the goaltender, and 1 finding twine from Cody Kunyk.
The second period wouldn't be much different. The Nanooks were causing turnovers, getting chances, and just 49 seconds into the 2nd period. Finucci did an excellent job forechecking the puck from Chad Langlais in the corner, and Derek Klassen picked up the puck just inside the blue line, got it back to Carlo Finucci just behind the back line, who skated right out in front of an aloof Bryan Hogan and buried his second goal of the year. "I was just the first guy there, and I just put some pressure on him" Carlo said during the post game conference. "I just finished my hit on him, and didn't know what had happened behind me, but I saw [Derek Klassen] had picked up the puck and I was just yelling at the top of my lungs. I don't think Hogan saw me behind him, and I was able to walk around him.".
Carl Hagelin would be the next UM player to go through the seemingly revolving penalty box door for hooking. During the power play, the Nanooks were able to get the puck in the net...I thought. However the official said no goal, but
After Michigan's A.J. Treais went to the box, Cody Kunyk made a pass from the slot area back to Joe Sova who blasted one from 70 feet out at the blue line above the left side faceoff circle that seem to pinball its way to the net. Not long after, the Nanooks first two penalties of the game came just 19 seconds apart, and Alaska's special teams were tasked with 1:41 of 5 on 3 penalty time to kill. I'll tell you what, the Nanooks defense stood tall. They blocked shots, literally occupied every shooting lane. When Michigan was able to find ways around them, Greenham was there to close the door.
Michigan would continue to pressure through the 3rd period, outshooting the Nanooks 10-6 through the final stanza. But again, most of the shots they took in the 3rd period (33 total) were either blocked by the defense, or shot wide.
Michigan is a forceful type team, who seem to have a comfort zone of play. They rely on certain things to happen for their game to work and when a team like the Nanooks disrupt those types of things like strong neutral zone defense, and a strong forecheck leads to turnovers to Michigan's disadvantage. Their opportunistic style and strong skills make for a team that usually can dictate the flow of the game. Not tonight. Scott said afterward "a team like Michigan really likes to run and gun, and they like to dictate the pace of the game, so if you get on them early, and forecheck like we did, and get an early goal like we did, that kind of sits them back on their heels. They don't really like playing when they're behind, and if they get that first goal, then that's when they're really comfortable, and they start getting the pressure."
Tomorrow, expect Michigan to be a little angry. I would expect a more physical game from them, but who knows. Tonight was Bryan Hogan's first loss, and also Michigan's first CCHA loss of the season. With other top CCHA teams in Notre Dame, and Miami both losing tonight, the Nanooks are now in a three-way tie for first place in the CCHA standings. This shutout also puts the Nanooks in the number one spot in the country for team defense, at 1.56 goals per game. Scott Greenham owns the same average and is now 3rd in the country among all NCAA D-I goalies for goals against average (among goalies who have played a minimum of 33% of total team's playing time).
Again, this is a big win for the Nanooks tonight. Tomorrow's game will surely have a lot on the line, as Michigan makes some adjustments to try to get a win. The 'Nooks job is to not let that happen.
Photos courtesy of Paul McCarthy
Download a copy of tonight's post-game press conference.
Congratulations to Scott Greenham, who is now tied with Chad Johnson and Wylie Rodgers for the career shutout record with 7. Tonight also marks the second time in program history that the Nanooks have held the goose egg against Michigan, and the Great Wall of Greenham was between the pipes to record both of those shutouts. "It's an honor to be in the same bracket as those two guys. They were both great goalies when they were here, and they're both having really good professional careers as well. It's great to be in the same category." Greenham said after the game.
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| Cody Kunyk off the faceoff leaves it for Kevin Petovello |
The second period wouldn't be much different. The Nanooks were causing turnovers, getting chances, and just 49 seconds into the 2nd period. Finucci did an excellent job forechecking the puck from Chad Langlais in the corner, and Derek Klassen picked up the puck just inside the blue line, got it back to Carlo Finucci just behind the back line, who skated right out in front of an aloof Bryan Hogan and buried his second goal of the year. "I was just the first guy there, and I just put some pressure on him" Carlo said during the post game conference. "I just finished my hit on him, and didn't know what had happened behind me, but I saw [Derek Klassen] had picked up the puck and I was just yelling at the top of my lungs. I don't think Hogan saw me behind him, and I was able to walk around him.".
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| Carl Hagelin hagglin' with the puck. |
After Michigan's A.J. Treais went to the box, Cody Kunyk made a pass from the slot area back to Joe Sova who blasted one from 70 feet out at the blue line above the left side faceoff circle that seem to pinball its way to the net. Not long after, the Nanooks first two penalties of the game came just 19 seconds apart, and Alaska's special teams were tasked with 1:41 of 5 on 3 penalty time to kill. I'll tell you what, the Nanooks defense stood tall. They blocked shots, literally occupied every shooting lane. When Michigan was able to find ways around them, Greenham was there to close the door.
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| Jarret Granberg gets the puck back on the forecheck. |
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| Defense was the name of the game. |
Tomorrow, expect Michigan to be a little angry. I would expect a more physical game from them, but who knows. Tonight was Bryan Hogan's first loss, and also Michigan's first CCHA loss of the season. With other top CCHA teams in Notre Dame, and Miami both losing tonight, the Nanooks are now in a three-way tie for first place in the CCHA standings. This shutout also puts the Nanooks in the number one spot in the country for team defense, at 1.56 goals per game. Scott Greenham owns the same average and is now 3rd in the country among all NCAA D-I goalies for goals against average (among goalies who have played a minimum of 33% of total team's playing time).
Again, this is a big win for the Nanooks tonight. Tomorrow's game will surely have a lot on the line, as Michigan makes some adjustments to try to get a win. The 'Nooks job is to not let that happen.
Photos courtesy of Paul McCarthy
Download a copy of tonight's post-game press conference.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Friday Gameday
The coaches lunch went well this afternoon. Unfortunately, Red Berenson and Dallas Ferguson both were unable to make it, so it was kind of an informal speech with assistant coach Brian Meisner, and Bruce Cech. But a lot of interesting things to talk about no less.
The lines from last weekend are pretty much the same. The 4th line is being rotated through, with some speed thrown in down there. Coach talked about the line ups this weekend during the luncheon, and how they translated from last weekend. Justin Filzen, who had a pretty good weekend with Erik Slemp will be paired again together tonight on that line with Nik Yaremchuk, so some good speed through there. Cody Butcher will be in on the blue line once again, and Justin Daigle will make another appearance. All 7 healthy defensemen will dress tonight in place of the injured Michael Quinn, with another potential injury mounting, the coaches will make a game time decision of who to start back in the blue line. Unfortunately, I don't know who that guy is, but after the game starts I should have a better idea.
#14 Alaska
F1 Kevin Petovello (C) - Cody Kunyk - Andy Taranto
F2 Colton Beck - Jarret Granberg - Dustin Sather
F3 Carlo Finucci - Derek Klassen (A) - Ron Meyers
F4 Nik Yaremchuk - Justin Filzen - Erik Slemp
D1 Joe Sova - Aaron Gens
D2 Bryant Molle (A) - Cody Butcher
D3 Justin Daigle - Scott Enders
G1 Scott Greenham
G2 Steve Thompson
G3 Colin Rundell
#5 Michigan
F1 David Wohlberg - Matt Rust - Chris Brown
F2 Carl Hagelin - Louie Caporusso - Kevin Lynch
F3 Jacob Fallon - A.J. Treais - Luke Glendening
F4 Scooter Vaughan - Ben Winnett - Luke Moffatt
D1 Chad Langlais - Jon Merrill
D2 Mac Bennett - Tristin Llewellyn
D3 Brandon Burlon - Greg Pateryn
G1 Bryan Hogan
G2 Shawn Hunwick
Michigan vs. Alaska / November 5, 2010
Michigan | Alaska | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Record | 4-1-3 | 5-2-1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Head-to-Head | 0-0-0 | 0-0-0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Goals | 28 / 3.50 | 20 / 2.50 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Goals Against | 19 / 2.38 | 14 / 1.75 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Power Play | 21.4% | 18.2% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Penalty Kill | 83.3% | 82.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Avg. Height / Weight | 5' 11.69" / 189.23 lbs. | 5' 11.26" / 190.67 lbs. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Avg. Age | 20y 8m | 22y 5m | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Coach | Red Berenson | Dallas Ferguson | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Latest Results | 10/30 vs. Ferris State ... 3-2 W 10/29 at Ferris State ... 2-2 T 10/23 vs. Nebraska-Omaha ... 6-1 W 10/22 vs. Nebraska-Omaha ... 2-4 L | 10/30 vs. Bowling Green ... 4-1 W 10/29 vs. Bowling Green ... 4-1 W 10/23 at Michigan State ... 1-4 L 10/22 at Michigan State ... 1-1 T | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Injuries | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team Scoring Leaders | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Team Goaltenders | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| More Info | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Radio | 1050 AM WTKA | 91.5 FM KSUA | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Netcast | Netcast | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Roster | Roster | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Stats | Stats | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule | Schedule | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Recent Team vs. Team Result History | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The lines from last weekend are pretty much the same. The 4th line is being rotated through, with some speed thrown in down there. Coach talked about the line ups this weekend during the luncheon, and how they translated from last weekend. Justin Filzen, who had a pretty good weekend with Erik Slemp will be paired again together tonight on that line with Nik Yaremchuk, so some good speed through there. Cody Butcher will be in on the blue line once again, and Justin Daigle will make another appearance. All 7 healthy defensemen will dress tonight in place of the injured Michael Quinn, with another potential injury mounting, the coaches will make a game time decision of who to start back in the blue line. Unfortunately, I don't know who that guy is, but after the game starts I should have a better idea.
#14 Alaska
F1 Kevin Petovello (C) - Cody Kunyk - Andy Taranto
F2 Colton Beck - Jarret Granberg - Dustin Sather
F3 Carlo Finucci - Derek Klassen (A) - Ron Meyers
F4 Nik Yaremchuk - Justin Filzen - Erik Slemp
D1 Joe Sova - Aaron Gens
D2 Bryant Molle (A) - Cody Butcher
D3 Justin Daigle - Scott Enders
G1 Scott Greenham
G2 Steve Thompson
G3 Colin Rundell
#5 Michigan
F1 David Wohlberg - Matt Rust - Chris Brown
F2 Carl Hagelin - Louie Caporusso - Kevin Lynch
F3 Jacob Fallon - A.J. Treais - Luke Glendening
F4 Scooter Vaughan - Ben Winnett - Luke Moffatt
D1 Chad Langlais - Jon Merrill
D2 Mac Bennett - Tristin Llewellyn
D3 Brandon Burlon - Greg Pateryn
G1 Bryan Hogan
G2 Shawn Hunwick
Nanooks and Wolverines Square Off in Fairbanks
Fact: The Nanooks have won 11 straight games at home coming into this weekend.
Fact: Scott Greenham has allowed just 1 goal in 5 of his last 6 starts.
Fact: As a team, the Nanooks are 2nd in the country in scoring defense, allowing just 1.75 goals per game.
Fact: One of the primary predators of wolverines? Bears.
OK, so our record against Michigan isn't so good. But I'm not letting that deter me from writing this post as homerish as I possibly can. Because if there is one team I despise in college hockey, it's Michigan...
If our guys can come out of the gate and take it to Michigan like they did against Bowling Green, I think they've got the upper hand. Michigan had a bit of a struggle in a home and home series against Ferris State last week, getting a close win and a tie.
Alaska had what most would consider a pair of tune-up games against Bowling Green. It was perfect timing amidst the half way point of a very tough first half of the season schedule. Now, the guys are back against the grindstone against #4 Michigan (then on the road next week against #1 Miami). But let me tell you, if the 'Nooks play as good of a game against Michigan as they did Bowling Green, I can envision some points in the CCHA standings in our future. Even BGSU coach Chris Bergeron said "[Alaska] is strong and better than who we’ve played so far,”. And yes, they've played Michigan already.
Louie Caporusso, David Wohlberg, and Carl Hagelin are the three prime scoring threats for Michigan that need to be watched closely. The top 3 forwards have combined for 9 goals and 21 points this season. Senior blueliner Scooter Vaughn has netted 4 goals from his post already this season as well.
Historically, Michigan has relied on their point men to cycle the puck around the offensive zone, while their forwards scoot around looking for open ice. While these plays are typically successful in opening up shooting and passing lanes, they rely on some cross ice passes to be open to create chances. Getting pressure on the outside men and keeping the puck contained to the outside should keep Michigan at bay.
I remember watching the game against Michigan at the Kendall Classic in Anchorage last year. How many goals did Michigan score in that game? Zero. Our guys played a very defensive game, and Michigan outshot the Nanooks 23-11, yet couldn't get a quality scoring chance because of the defense. As I said before, Alaska is 2nd in the nation in scoring defense and we are going to have to keep it up to shut down Michigan's 3.5 goals per game average. If we are able to do that, keep an eye on their discipline and watch how frustrated their players get and they start taking bad penalties.
Us fans should be in for a solid series of hockey this weekend. Paula Weston, being the Michigan homer she is, picked a split. You'll notice I haven't called games in my previews much this year yet, but I'm looking for another sweep. 2-1, and 3-2 Nanook victories this weekend.
Fact: Scott Greenham has allowed just 1 goal in 5 of his last 6 starts.
Fact: As a team, the Nanooks are 2nd in the country in scoring defense, allowing just 1.75 goals per game.
Fact: One of the primary predators of wolverines? Bears.
OK, so our record against Michigan isn't so good. But I'm not letting that deter me from writing this post as homerish as I possibly can. Because if there is one team I despise in college hockey, it's Michigan...
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| Time for a little target practice. |
Alaska had what most would consider a pair of tune-up games against Bowling Green. It was perfect timing amidst the half way point of a very tough first half of the season schedule. Now, the guys are back against the grindstone against #4 Michigan (then on the road next week against #1 Miami). But let me tell you, if the 'Nooks play as good of a game against Michigan as they did Bowling Green, I can envision some points in the CCHA standings in our future. Even BGSU coach Chris Bergeron said "[Alaska] is strong and better than who we’ve played so far,”. And yes, they've played Michigan already.
Louie Caporusso, David Wohlberg, and Carl Hagelin are the three prime scoring threats for Michigan that need to be watched closely. The top 3 forwards have combined for 9 goals and 21 points this season. Senior blueliner Scooter Vaughn has netted 4 goals from his post already this season as well.
Historically, Michigan has relied on their point men to cycle the puck around the offensive zone, while their forwards scoot around looking for open ice. While these plays are typically successful in opening up shooting and passing lanes, they rely on some cross ice passes to be open to create chances. Getting pressure on the outside men and keeping the puck contained to the outside should keep Michigan at bay.
I remember watching the game against Michigan at the Kendall Classic in Anchorage last year. How many goals did Michigan score in that game? Zero. Our guys played a very defensive game, and Michigan outshot the Nanooks 23-11, yet couldn't get a quality scoring chance because of the defense. As I said before, Alaska is 2nd in the nation in scoring defense and we are going to have to keep it up to shut down Michigan's 3.5 goals per game average. If we are able to do that, keep an eye on their discipline and watch how frustrated their players get and they start taking bad penalties.
Us fans should be in for a solid series of hockey this weekend. Paula Weston, being the Michigan homer she is, picked a split. You'll notice I haven't called games in my previews much this year yet, but I'm looking for another sweep. 2-1, and 3-2 Nanook victories this weekend.
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