As our Huskies (12-8-2) enter into the 3rd weekend of 2025 they are on the road in the self proclaimed “state of hockey,” facing off against the Minnesota State Mavericks (15-5-2). The Mavericks are currently reeling from splitting with the second worst team in the country, dropping their Friday game with the Northern Michigan Wildcats (2-19-1).
Analysis
Not much has really changed for the Mavericks since the Huskies last played them at the end of November. They continue to be a defense-first team this season while having some difficulty in scoring goals consistently. They are only at 2.73 goals a game this season, putting them right in line with our Huskies’ 2.68, but where they pull away is in the defense and goalie department, as they are only allowing 1.55 goals against — the fewest in all of college hockey. Looking to their top players there really isn’t much that has changed or that is happening:
Pitlick still leads the way, but compared to Tech’s lineup they are out scored on the top end, and in terms of depth, too. In total numbers the Mavericks do beat out the Huskies, with a few blowout games padding their stats. This could be seen just last weekend as game one against NMU was a close 3-2 loss, but game two saw a Mankato win of 6-1. Otherwise in the month between our series the Mavericks have only lost that one game to Northern, winning everything other game.
Looking at that previous series against Northern we see:
The key to beating Mankato lies in getting into the slot, which is what NMU was able to do in game 1, while not managing any shots in that location game 2. Additionally, Tech will have to limit MnSU’s chances, making for a very strategic game of chess this weekend.
Speaking of our Huskies, last weekend was full of ups and downs after splitting with a very beatable Lakers team. Game one saw the wheels fall off once the Huskies gave up the first goal to LSSU, seeming losing all composure. This was frustrating to watch as a Huskies fan as they could seemingly get nothing done, even though they were originally in the lead. Game two did see a change as they were able to win in a 1-0 shutout by new netminder Ryan Manzella, earning his 3rd win in as many game appearances.
Tech’s systems were much better, but they still have yet to fully buy into Coach Shawhan’s program even though we are over halfway done with the season. Certain boneheaded plays by players who know better saw zone entries where it was them against 5 defenders, or D men making reckless passes in coverage. In fact Coach Shawhan echoed the issues rightfully pointing out that some players are making more selfish plays instead of putting the team’s ability to win first. To me, this is a lack of buying into Tech’s defensive first systems while trying to promote offense. Trying to make plays is fine and the Tech defense first structure does allow for that to take place, but players got too reckless leaving mistakes to be made.
Keys to the Game
- Expect pressure. If there has been one constant this whole season, it’s that an aggressive forecheck really hurts the Huskies. It doesn’t matter the skill level of the team performing it, just the presence of a defensive forecheck seemingly cripples Tech’s ability to make a zone entry.
- Define your style. If I were to ask a Tech fan what style of hockey Tech plays, what would they answer? Well if someone were to ask me I would say they play to the level of their opponents for good and for bad. Teams like LSSU, Holy Cross, Northern, and Ferris were all able to keep close games. However, we also saw Tech keep up with Clarkson, Mankato, UMass Lowell, and Western. So what gives? How are the Huskies able to play up to some of the best teams while also playing down to some of the worst? They need to enact their own style during a game instead of acquiescing to whatever the opponent is throwing at them.
- Defense first. The Mavericks are going to be offensively challenged just like our Huskies. If Tech wants any semblance of a chance at winning they need to keep Mankato to two or less goals each game. This will be hard to do, but is more possible than in previous seasons.
My Prediction
I think Tech is going to split or at least should split. Mankato is going to be the toughest opponent they have left on the season. It will depend on who Tech thinks they are, and who actually shows up on the ice. MTU wins 3-2, Mankato wins 3-1.
The guys on our Chasing MacNaughton Podcast also made predictions for this coming series against the Mavericks.
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. Game 1 will be Friday at 8:07 ET. Game 2 will be Saturday at 7:07 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.
