After a well fought series against the Clarkson Golden Knights (5-2-0) our Michigan Tech Huskies (2-2-0) look to lick their wounds against the Northern Michigan Wildcats (1-5-0). NMU comes off a home series in which they were swept by now-NCHC member Arizona State (3-4-1).
Analysis
The Wildcats are taking the most predicted trajectory so far this season, as they have only managed to win a single game against Alaska-Anchorage who like NMU is in a state of flux when it comes to team composition. They have not looked great this season, but they have been serviceable at times keeping games close. They managed to take a game against Colorado college to overtime as well which is a sign that they aren’t going to be a pushover this season. Though Tech fans could already tell you this, as they kept the opening season exhibition close. Looking to their top performers, the stats back up the type of season they are currently having:
However, as you might notice, there is actually one diamond in the rough so far for the Wildcats this season in Niagara transfer Ryan Ouellette. Even though he currently holds a 1-4-0 record, his 2.42 GAA and .941 SV% are truly impressive given the caliber of players in front of him. He is currently tied for 3rd in the nation in saves with 193 (for comparison, Max Vayrynen has 57 through half the games) with the Wildcats being the 4th worst team in the country in total shots allowed on goal at 244 through only six games (Tech has 96 in four games). He is the glue keeping the wheels on so far this season, giving NMU a fighting chance every weekend.
As far as the rest of the team is concerned, it’s just as Wildcat fans fear with that amount of turnover. Ewart is a stand out transfer from St. Cloud, but otherwise the roster is below expectations from what they were just a few months ago.
Luckily for THG readers, we have a second week of Instat data prepared by the one and only Augie!
As you can see, it isn’t pretty for NMU. I could go on but it would just be beating a dead horse at this point.
Moving to our Huskies, we saw a better played series to the opposite result as the Alaska Fairbanks series. Tech played well both nights, but puck luck was just not on their side as Ethan Langenegger and the Golden Knights continued to have the Huskies’ number.
Standout players were Chase Pietila and Stiven Sardarian, with the TOI reflecting that as well. The offensive struggles we have seen through the first four games are worrisome, but it has only been four games. Our Huskies are still learning the Joe Shawhan system and with such a big incoming class, it is understandable that there might be some growing pains along the way.
Production has been slow, but the potential is there with 3 posts in Friday’s game Tech could have easily won 4-3. Additionally it appears that goaltending is not going to be an issue no matter who is in net. Both Max Vayrynen and Derek Mullahy played outstandingly and neither were the reason Tech lost either night.
Finally, fans are seeing growth out of several players as they are taking full advantage of open holes left by departed players. Trevor Kukkonen and Lauri Raiman have both seemingly stepped up last weekend, playing some of the best hockey we’ve seen from them. They have yet to string things together on the score sheet, but if they can keep things up it is only a matter of time.
Keys to the Game
- Cool and Collected. Tech is the better team. There is no way around that fact. On paper, this should be an easy win, but it’s never that simple. What is, though, is knowing our Huskies need to keep a level head against their biggest rivals and to not get hurt nor give them any chances to come back.
- Continuous improvement. So far as the season goes on our Huskies have looked better and better. They need to make this a trend going into their third series this season. It’s going to be tough with it being northern, but if they can continue to grow as a unit then the sky’s the limit.
- Shoot. Puck. Score. As a part of improving this will be Tech’s chance to try to get some stat padding in as they should be able to manage to score some goals this weekend. Ouellette has been playing out of his mind, but Tech did show in the exhibition they can score goals.
My Prediction
I think this is Tech’s series to lose. It would take either a huge performance from Ouellette or the Huskies completely imploding for them to not walk away with a sweep. The question ends up being how close will it be? MTU wins 4-3, MTU wins 3-1.
The guys on our Chasing MacNaughton Podcast also made predictions for this coming series against the Wildcats.
Cover photo courtesy Michigan Tech Athletics.
InStat plots created by Zach Aufdemberge.
How to Watch
Both games are available through Mix 93.5 for audio featuring Dirk Hembroff (free), via Midco Sports Plus* (paywall) for video, and broadcasted on TV6 featuring Mark Evans & Dave Ellis. Game 1 at the Berry will be Friday at 7:07 ET. Game 2 at the MAC will be Saturday at 6:07 ET.
*Midco Sports Plus is also the source of all games played in CCHA buildings this season so don’t be afraid to sign up for a month or the year. Midco Sports Plus now has apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku.
Jonathan graduated from Michigan Tech in the spring of 2018 with a degree in Physics and Social Science in addition to a minor in Social and Behavioral Studies. He spent his college career watching hockey with the Misfits where he became the treasurer in his last year. When not traveling to away games he resides in Hancock working for a local engineering company and keeping up with all things Tech Hockey.
