So far this season, Michigan has won most of its contests with
one player shouldering the offensive load each game. But on
Saturday, the Wolverines notched six goals, and six different
players scored them.
- Mira Levitan
- Sophomore Andrew Ebbett had a goal and an assist for the Wolverines. Ebbett put a second puck into the net, but it was called back for high-sticking. (JEFF LEHNERT/Daily)
The explosion was the most well-rounded output of the season,
and the first game in a month that didn’t feature a multiple
goal-scorer. In addition, all four lines notched a goal, a
demonstration of the Michigan’s depth.
Coach Red Berenson feels that his team is capable of having
every player step up and carry the load offensively.
“When we’re playing our best, we should have everyone at least
have some kind of chance to score, and we should also be playing
well at our end of the zone,” Berenson said. “As a coach, that’s
the challenge, to get everyone playing well with and without the
puck.”
But Berenson is always quick to state that a player shouldn’t be
judged by his statistics alone and the subtle aspects of his game
are equally important.
“We need everyone to be able to contribute if they get a chance,
and certainly offensively the puck isn’t always going to go in for
your top goal-scorers,” Berenson said. “(On Saturday) you saw a lot
of different guys contribute offensively, and that is good.”
Michigan’s forwards seem to be hitting their stride at the right
time, as Michigan begins a long string of conference games. After
having a month of alternating between CCHA and nonconference games,
the schedule has eight of the next 10 games against conference
foes, including matchups against Ohio State and Michigan State.
“I thought it was good for us to get some nonconference games
out of the way,” sophomore forward Jeff Tambellini said. “It’s a
good time of the year when you get deep into the conference games
and the teams you’ll face in the playoffs. I think our team is fine
and ready to go.”
Swing and a miss: Sophomore forward Andrew Ebbett threw up his
hands in excitement after scoring a powerplay goal near the end of
the first period, making the score to 3-0. Just as the Mumford High
School band (replacing the Michigan hockey pep band this weekend)
began to play “The Victors,” referee Steve Piotrowski waved off the
goal, indicating Ebbett’s stick was above the crossbar of the
goal.
Working in front of the net on the powerplay, Ebbett swatted the
puck into the net after a deflected pass from junior defenseman
Brandon Rogers. Both the band and Ebbett – as well as the 6,643
fans at Yost – thought the goal was good, despite the high
stick.
“I was kind of hoping it was a goal,” Ebbett said.
“(Kaleniecki), my linemate, was right there, and he said that (my
stick) was a little high, so I trust him.
“I was kind of getting on the ref there a little bit, trying to
get him to rethink it, but I guess it was the right call.”