After an intense series which saw our Michigan Tech Huskies (9-6-1) split with the Northern Michigan Wildcats (7-10-0), the Huskies welcome in the Alabama-Huntsville Charges (2-14-10) for their second series matchup of the year. The Chargers are coming off an impressive split over the Bemidji State Beavers (7-7-2).
Analysis
The Chargers have seen some mixed success after being swept in the first meet up by the Huskies. They were able to pull out their first win of the season against the University of Alaska – Fairbanks (4-12-2), splitting that series. They then saw themselves against a really strong Bowling Green State (11-3-3) team. They lost both games while managing to keep game two close. This past weekend saw the Chargers in Bemidji where they split with the Beavers winning game two 4-2. This Chargers team will be coming into the Mac shooting 5.9% which coupled with an 8.1 PP% are the leading factors behind this year’s troubles. They take shots, but they don’t reach the back of the net. However, not all is wrong with this Chargers team, as they have solid goaltending in sophomore Mark Sinclair and an experienced D-core that keeps games close.
The Huskies are coming off an impressive showing from sophomore Robbie Beydoun who lead Tech to is Saturday 3-1 win of the Wildcats. The biggest take away from the previous series is that if the Huskies want to beat teams like Northern Michigan or either Alaska team on enemy ice, then they need to prepare for the Olympic size sheet. However, there are several positive takeaways from this past weekend. The Huskies didn’t take many penalties and didn’t give up any power play goals to the Wildcats, causing them to go 0/4 on the weekend. Tech also saw great offensive production from key players like senior Jake Lucchini, freshman Trenton Bliss, and the Reitmeier/Parrottino/Beretta line.
Keys to the Game
- Consistency. The Huskies offense has been one of the best I have seen since their 2012/13 campaign which saw them reach a #1 ranking in the country. They are on a hot streak as of late and need to keep this energy going into this weekend.
- Bey-watch. Robbie Beydoun looked really impressive against a tough Wildcat team. He currently owns a 0.54 GAA and a .977 SV% over a total two games worth of time played. If I had a say in who got the start, Beydoun would keep the role until he loses it.
- Don’t coast. This Alabama-Huntsville team has been struggling this year. That being said this is no time for Tech to think this is an easy two wins. The Huskies need to treat these upcoming four points as if a playoff berth depended on it (as is might later this season).
My Prediction
The Huskies should sweep the series. The Chargers are still having difficulties offensively and Tech’s defense should be able to again continue the trend. MTU Wins 5-1, MTU Wins 2-0.
How to Watch
Both games are available through Mix 93.5 for audio featuring Dirk Hembroff (free), and via flohockey.tv (paywall) and Fox UP for video.
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.
