Quick update since I just got back from the NMU game...

Michigan responded to a 4-1 butt kicking by Ohio State Friday night with a
6-3 downing of the Buckeyes tonight.

After a scoreless first period, the Wolverines exploded with five
second-period goals. Chad Kolarik got the ball rolling 4:59 into the
period, followed by Jeff Tambellini scoring 16 seconds later. Jason Ryznar
scored near the halfway mark, then assisted on Kolarik's second goal of the
night and Eric Werner's goal to make it 5-0. The Buckeyes tried to mount a
comeback, however, scoring three goals in the third period before Eric
Nystrom finally put the game away with an empty netter.

The win keeps Michigan five points ahead of second place Ohio State in the
CCHA standings.

The Wolverines host Northern Michigan University next weekend at Yost Ice
Arena.

The NMU game is where I was at the past two nights. They swept Bowling
Green at home this weekend by scores of 3-1 and 4-2. Friday night was the
first time in six games that the Wildcats scored more than one goal.

While their offense has struggled, their defense has been keeping them in
the game. Senior netminder Tuomas Tarkki has established himself as one of
the nation's top goalies. He currently ranks 5th with a 1.77 goals against
average, 3rd with a .940 save percentage, and is tied for 5th with three
shutouts.

The Cats are a team that has been playing excellent hockey at home, but
struggling on the road. They are 3-7-4 overall away from the Berry Events
Center, most recently getting swept at Nebraska-Omaha a few weeks
ago. It's going to take a huge effort on their part, as U-M is 10-0-1
overall at home this season. It'll be interesting to see how well Tarkki
handles playing in front of the hostile Yost crowd for the first time in
his career. He will definitely be the difference maker for NMU.

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That's all for now...

Go Blue!

Jason
Michigan Hockey Net
http://MichiganHockey.net/