The game last Friday between Bowling Green and Michigan was a
great game and anyone that was there would probably agree with me. I've
been reading some of the comments that have been posted on here and I
thought I would through in my two cents.
 
        First of all, I have to say that BG played with exceptional
effort in the game considering they lost the night before to Miami in
overtime. The BG players really seemed fired up and ready to go the
moment they took the ice. After playing with Ohio State to a 4-4 tie the
night before, I thought Michigan would have came out and really took out
their anger on BG. I'm not sure if the intensity level was at a level
that Michigan is used to or not. They still played a good game but not up
to Michigan standards.
 
        The goal tending is another issue I see being addressed. BG's
Mike Savard played a rather good game making around 35 saves (I'm not
sure on the exact figure but someone will correct me I'm sure). He did
give up five goals but for the way Michigan had been playing, I wouldn't
say that's too bad. For Michigan, Marty Turco played an average game in
front of the net. Most people would (and are) agree that Turco is one of
the better goal tenders in the CCHA. That night against BG was one of his
below-par efforts in terms of the way we expect Turco to play. Part of
that may be due to the fact that BG fired 24?? shots at him which is more
that he is used to seeing in the last few games. I believe that in one
game he saw only 10 shots in two periods of play. BG gave Turco more
"Grade A" scoring chances that he has been used to seeing and he played a
sub-par game on the same night. These two together may have been the
result of BG scoring 6 goals.
 
        One last thing I have noticed is talk about the officiating.
Shegos was the ref for the game and in my opinion did a good job. The
penalties were just about even on the night. Sure there were calls that
were not made and some that were missed. This could work its way back to
the discussion about one ref verses two. But I think the "no-calls"
evened themselves out. And of course there are those fans that think not
a single penalty should be called on there team but every little thing
should be called on the other team. That's the way fans are I suppose.
There was one instance where a Michigan player was speared by BG's Brett
Punchard. The incident took place right in front of where I was sitting.
I did not see the spear take place but from the way the player was down
on the ice, I took it that he was speared. All I can say is that maybe
Shegos didn't see it. It is a possability. There were all sorts of trips,
holds, and interference calls that were not made in the game. Missing a
spear is no different. If Shegos doesn't see it, he's not going to call
it. But then only Shegos knows what he sees and doesn't see. But if it
was a spear, it should have been called and we wouldn't have seen
Punchard the rest of the game.
 
        Anyway, there is my opinions on what went on in the game on
Saturday. Fell free to comment away. Until next time....
 
GO FLACONS!!!!
 
Brian Ameling
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