Michigan has big time trouble scoring goals this year and it's tough to win
games when you only score a couple each game.  No dominant player or line that
can jump at you and know that they can score.  The defense is pretty good this
year, but the forwards are not hard hitting, not enough fore checking, and
other teams seem to dominate us in that aspect.  They are not as good of
passers as they have been in the past so it's tough to get an offensive charge
generated.  More players have played below their potential than those playing
above.  I question some of the leadership on this team compared to other
years, it seems no one cares like they have in the past 5-6 years.  I said
before that maybe 2 out of 3 national championships may have killed some
intensity and desire on this team.
 
After saying all that, you never know about the playoffs.  This weekend
Michigan plays Michigan State at Joe Louis arena (16,000-19,000 fans will be
there, more MSU fans than UM).  MSU has not lost in a couple of months so it
should be an indication of what UM might do in the playoffs.
 
Steve Bartley
 
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