As the first month of the hockey season comes to a close, No. 1 Michigan (7-0-0) is only one of three undefeated teams left in college hockey. Michigan has now started 7-0 in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history and will look to extend its streak of perfection against Ohio State (2-4-0) as both teams begin conference play this weekend.
Michigan’s potent offensive attack was stymied to a degree against Western Michigan last week, but proved that it can still be lethal as long
as there is any time left on the clock. Jayden Perron (10G, 6A) continues to lead the nation in goals and points, and is riding a 13-game points streak and a nine-game goal-scoring streak dating back to last season.
Michael Hage (3G, 11A) is hot on Perron’s heels with 14 points and is tied for the national lead with 11 apples. But beyond the two stars, a pair of sophomores have stolen headlines as head coach Brandon Naurato’s next great developmental stories.
Forward Cole McKinney (5G, 3A) is second on the team in goal-scoring and is playing above a point-per-game pace to start the campaign. Last season, McKinney only scored 20 points in 40 games. Perhaps one of the biggest breakout stories in the country, defenseman Drew Schock (3G, 7A) has already matched his point total from all of last season in just seven games. Moreover, Schock has registered a point in every game so far and he leads the team with a +15 rating.
The power play (.185) is still struggling to produce, but given Naurato’s track record and the talent on this team, it feels inevitable that this group is going to figure it out. Offensively, that’s the only piece from this attack.
Defensively, the Wolverines are surging. The penalty-kill improved to .826 and the Michigan scoring defense is just outside the top-10, allowing only two goals per game. The blue-line depth and bevy of enforcers have helped frustrate opponents in the neutral zone and smother any forechecking opportunities. And even when the defense does break down, goaltender Jack Ivankovic (.933) continues to demonstrate why he is the best netminder in the Big Ten.
Ohio State
If this were a normal game, this is where I’d lob potshots at our struggling rivals to the South. But the program is in mourning this week after the sudden passing of former Buckeye great goaltender Sean Romeo, who was only 31 years old. Out of respect, you’ll find no petty quips from this side of the border this week.
After a resurgent finish saw Ohio State reach the Big Ten Tournament Championship game to close out last year, the Buckeyes have limped out of the gates, losing four of their first six games – only two of which have come to ranked foes.
Up front, true freshman and Michigan native Evan Jardine (3G, 4A) leads or shares the lead in goals, assists, points, and powerplay goals. If the Buckeyes are going to pull the upset this weekend, it starts with Jardine. And although the trio is off to slower starts this season, Jake Karabela (1G, 4A), Max Montes (1G, 3A) and Felix Caron (1G, 2A) were three of Ohio State’s four leading scorers last season. One is bound to have an impact against the Wolverines.
On the blue line, this team struggles. Ohio State has only held two opponents to less than than three goals and the team’s penalty-kill is the ninth-worst in the country. Part of the reason for these struggles is the uncertainty in net. Veteran Kristoffer Eberly is a career .901 goalie, but has played the worst hockey of his career to start the season. Through four games, he has posted an .821 save percentage and allowed 10 goals. Factoring in his career 1-5 mark against Michigan, expect freshman Jakub Milota (.903) to start both games this weekend.
Key to the Game
Energy. Ohio State is winless at home and desperate to turn its season around. The Buckeyes are going to come out inspired and prepared to give Michigan their best shot. Michigan needs to match this energy and absorb the force wave of attacks from its rival. After the opening 10 minutes, both sides will settle in, but it is imperative to not give a desperate team any momentum and/or hope early in either game.
Two quick programming notes: the games are on Saturday and Sunday this weekend, as opposed to the traditional Friday-Saturday schedule. Moreover, if you haven’t been able to watch the Wolverines this year, the team will be playing on the Big Ten Network on Sunday night.
Game 1
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 5 p.m. ET
- Where: Schottenstein Center | Columbus, Ohio
- How to watch: BIG+
- How to listen: Varsity Podcast Network
Game 2
- When: Sunday, Nov. 1, 7 p.m. ET
- Where: Schottenstein Center | Columbus, Ohio
- How to watch: Big Ten Network
- How to listen: Varsity Podcast Network
