Here we are Huskies fans, our Michigan Tech Huskies are the #3 seed in this year’s CCHA tourney after tying for 2nd and losing the tie breaker to St. Thomas. Though they lost the #2 seed, that might be a blessing in disguise as they are slated to play the #6 seed Bowling Green State Falcons. The Falcons ended their regular season being swept by the Northern Michigan Wildcats.
Analysis
Not too much has changed for the Falcons, as Tech just played them two weeks ago. The biggest difference is that they will be playing in Houghton this time around which should favor our Huskies much more than playing in America’s Dumpster Ohio. We have updated their top players here:
Though it needs to be noted that they are still very much banged up missing O’Hara, Ben Wozney (9 pts in 22 games), Nick O’Hanisain (1 pt in 20 games), and Evola. This results in a lot of talent being held out and even reducing their potential even more. Forwards Nodler and Kersten are now their lead scorers while only having point totals half of Tech’s top scorer in Isaac Gordon. They are still lacking in scorning depth and talent which is also shown in their last weekend series against NMU:
As we all know, Northern isn’t known to be the best defensive team, but when the Wildcats are able to allow only one goal against on the weekend you know a team isn’t clicking offensively. Even our Huskies, who are still very much hurt, are still a better defensive team than Northern from a systems perspective.
The only thing this series really shows us is that the only way the Huskies really lose this series is on the shoulders of BGSU’s goalie corps in Moore and Stoever. Moore gave three up to the Wildcats in game 1, while Stoever was able to shut the door in game 2 allowing one goal. Given that this is a best of three series, the odds of two nights being carried by BGSU goalies is fairly low (though not zero).
Speaking of our Huskies, last weekend was the tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Friday’s game especially was one of the first times in my 10+ years watching Tech hockey where it felt like 4 hours of my life were wasted. The game looked like a high school game with two teams that fans don’t really care about and the players felt the same way. Whether it be nerves, distractions, or some other reason, our Huskies showed up physically to play, but that was about it. It wasn’t all their fault for losing that game, as UST’s Aaron Trotter played fantastically, but they managed to turn things around for the following Saturday. If they can keep that momentum from Saturday’s win going, they should be able to make a deep run into the CCHA playoffs.
Keys to the Game
- Rinse and repeat. Tech will need to basically repeat what they did in Bowling Green two weeks ago. They are the better team on paper, but we have been saying that all season. The Huskies need to be mentally in it from the beginning and not like BGSU to get any leads early this weekend.
- Depth scoring. This one is for the “bottom six” guys: you are this team right now. With so much top end talent out for who knows how long, it’s the guys getting lesser minutes that have really stepped up with scoring. All seniors last weekend got at least a point in Saturday’s game and if they can keep that going Tech will go far.
- Give ’em a break. Blake is going to be the linchpin this weekend, but the 5 guys in front of him need to give him a fair shot to make the saves. Positioning is going to be key as if they can reduce the angles and chances Blake sees, he should have no problem making the stop. This whole season he has had to bear the load of bad defense, hopefully it’s time to let him shine going into playoffs.
My Prediction
I think this is Tech’s series to lose. The one thing I am not certain about is how quickly they will win it. Will a game three be needed? I couldn’t really say as it depends on what team shows up this Friday. Tech will win in my view, but it’s just a question of how hard will they make it for themselves. BGSU wins 2-1, MTU wins 3-1, MTU wins 2-1.
The guys on our Chasing MacNaughton Podcast also made predictions for this coming series against the Falcons.
Cover photo courtesy Michigan Tech Athletics.
InStat plots created by Zach Aufdemberge
How to Watch
All games are available through Mix 93.5 for audio featuring Dirk Hembroff (free), and via flohockey.tv* (paywall) for video. Game 1 will be Friday at 7:07 EST, game 2 will be Saturday at 6:07 EST, and game 3 (if necessary) will be Sunday at 5:07 EST.
*Flohockey.tv 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. Flo Sports now has apps for iOS, Android (with Chromecast support), 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.
