Thursday afternoon in the first NC$$ semifinal match at the FleeceCenter, the
Michigan Wolverines blanked the New Hampshire Wildcats 4-0.  In a very
pedestrian contest, Michigan played smart hockey using a tight defense and an
attack that took the puck to the net to control the flow of the game.  UNH was
basically a no-show, as they never found their skating legs.
 
With the FleeceCenter slowly filling, the game started with the Wolverines
putting on some pressure and the Wildcats standing around.  It turned out that
would be the pattern for the sixty minutes.  Michigan did not take a lot of
risks, but managed to produce the more dangerous chances.  Bubba Berenzweig
(Geoff Koch) gave Michigan the lead when he stuffed home a shorthanded effort.
UNH had just put together some great passes on their power play when the
Wolverines were able to spring Berenzweig.
 
In the second, the Wildcats continued their nap and both teams were content
with play it safe tactics.  The key moment occurred on a Michigan power play.
Not much had been happening when Berenzweig (Justin Clark) threw one in from
the popcorn stand/point that found the high stick side of the net.  Right
after that goal, Michigan created a long right wing break and Koch (Clark)
nailed his opportunity.  There was still half a game left, but it seemed over.
Finally in the closing minutes of the period, New Hampshire generated a couple
of fine scoring plays.  Unfortunately for them, Wolverine goalie Marty Turco
was there to make the critical stops.
 
In the final interval, Michigan got a late power play goal from Matt Herr
(Bill Muckalt, Josh Langfeld).  Herr was allowed to cruise up the gut unmarked
and buried the nice dish.  UNH was frustrated that they had no moment today.
 
New Hampshire waited too long to spring their excellent skate and pass game.
I don't know if the big event tensed them out or what.  They just could not
get moving today, and so made Michigan's job that much easier.  Mark Mowers
tried to jump start his team with some of his speed periodically.  He made one
wonderful shorthanded break.  Jason Krog also made some splendid moves, but
with the Wildcats not on song, not much came of his attempts.  Derek Bekar was
moving very well at times, but didn't seem to want to pass the puck.
Christian Bragnalo played some outstanding defense for UNH with his quick
interceptions.  Overall, not the game I was expecting from the speedy
Wildcats.
 
Michigan was intelligent.  They controlled the tempo of the game and didn't do
anything that might awaken UNH.  Coach Red Berenson's troops played a very
strong team game that covered for itself exceedingly well.  Andrew Merrick
made some really nice rushes for Michigan.  First-year Scott Matzka had
some pretty moves to the net.  Pesky fresher forward Mark Kosick was
always looking for the half chance.  On the blue line, Berenzweig took his
goals well, and was a tower of strength that made things happen.  Chris
Fox was the other defender that caught my eye.  He used his refined reads
and confident marking to snuff out any hope for UNH.  In goal, Turco came
up big when he had to.  He made the timely saves look simple.  Overall,
this "rebuilding" Michigan team has a good shot at winning it all.
 
 
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 good shooting
 hungerf
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