Michigan pummeled American International (AIC) goaltender Alex Murray with 41 shots Friday night and connected on five of them, besting the Yellow Jackets, 5-2, in the opener of a two-game set at Yost Arena.
Andrew Copp broke out of his early season scoring funk with a pair of goals and an assist while Max Shuart took advantage of re-configured line combinations to add a goal and an assist for the Wolverines.
Tyler Motte and Kevin Lohan scored the other Michigan goals while JT Compher and Andrew Sinelli each contributed a pair of assists.
"I think we're pretty happy," said Wolverine captain Copp post-game. "Shots were in our favor, kind of speaks to the way we played, especially in their zone. I think we gave up a few too many chances against, and had the puck bounced a few different ways it probably would have been a bit closer game. Overall though I think we're happy, you saw (Max) Shuart, JT (Compher), and Boo (Nieves) get some real chemistry. Our line had some chemistry, we got some things worked out that we needed to get worked out, so we're good."
Of his new Motte-Coppp-Sinelli pairing, Michigan head coach Red Berenson said, "I thought they were the line that seemed to lead the way offensively. Whenever we needed something, they were the line that responded. Not only scoring the first goal, but when our team started to go into a little bit of a funk, (Andrew) Copp's line generated the energy."
Even though AIC managed two goals on just 13 shots, the offense generated by the Wolverines was the main story.
In addition to being pleased with the line centered by Copp, Berenson had words of praise for the Shuart-Compher-Nieves line as well.
"I thought they were good," said Berenson of his second line pairing. I liked JT and I thought he was leading the way. He moved the puck pretty well and they had their chances and could have had a couple more. We're not just interested in what they do with the puck but interested in what they do without the puck. It's important that they are responsible in both ends but I like the direction that line is going in."
Shuart was thrilled with the opportunity to skate with Compher and Nieves.
"I can't say enough about those guys, both really good players," Shuart offered. "Obviously, I was just in the right spot at the right time. Anyone probably could have put that in, so it was just a really good play from the start. Boo (Nieves) beating out the icing, using his speed to get on there off a great pass by JT (Compher). I'm really enjoying playing with these guys, trying to take as much advantage of the opportunity as I can."
Michigan's power play woes continued. Coming into the contest having gone three for 28 on the power play, the Wolverines failed to connect with the man advantage on their three opportunities..
"I thought we weren't bad, but we weren't as good as we have to be," Berenson said of the Wolverine power play. "We maybe got too cute or whatever. Give them credit, they are good on the penalty kill but we need to be better."
Michigan (3-5-0) and AIC (2-6-1) get right back into action Saturday night at Yost at 7:35pm in the series finale.
This post was edited on 11/15 3:18 AM by Bob Miller
Andrew Copp broke out of his early season scoring funk with a pair of goals and an assist while Max Shuart took advantage of re-configured line combinations to add a goal and an assist for the Wolverines.
Tyler Motte and Kevin Lohan scored the other Michigan goals while JT Compher and Andrew Sinelli each contributed a pair of assists.
"I think we're pretty happy," said Wolverine captain Copp post-game. "Shots were in our favor, kind of speaks to the way we played, especially in their zone. I think we gave up a few too many chances against, and had the puck bounced a few different ways it probably would have been a bit closer game. Overall though I think we're happy, you saw (Max) Shuart, JT (Compher), and Boo (Nieves) get some real chemistry. Our line had some chemistry, we got some things worked out that we needed to get worked out, so we're good."
Of his new Motte-Coppp-Sinelli pairing, Michigan head coach Red Berenson said, "I thought they were the line that seemed to lead the way offensively. Whenever we needed something, they were the line that responded. Not only scoring the first goal, but when our team started to go into a little bit of a funk, (Andrew) Copp's line generated the energy."
Even though AIC managed two goals on just 13 shots, the offense generated by the Wolverines was the main story.
In addition to being pleased with the line centered by Copp, Berenson had words of praise for the Shuart-Compher-Nieves line as well.
"I thought they were good," said Berenson of his second line pairing. I liked JT and I thought he was leading the way. He moved the puck pretty well and they had their chances and could have had a couple more. We're not just interested in what they do with the puck but interested in what they do without the puck. It's important that they are responsible in both ends but I like the direction that line is going in."
Shuart was thrilled with the opportunity to skate with Compher and Nieves.
"I can't say enough about those guys, both really good players," Shuart offered. "Obviously, I was just in the right spot at the right time. Anyone probably could have put that in, so it was just a really good play from the start. Boo (Nieves) beating out the icing, using his speed to get on there off a great pass by JT (Compher). I'm really enjoying playing with these guys, trying to take as much advantage of the opportunity as I can."
Michigan's power play woes continued. Coming into the contest having gone three for 28 on the power play, the Wolverines failed to connect with the man advantage on their three opportunities..
"I thought we weren't bad, but we weren't as good as we have to be," Berenson said of the Wolverine power play. "We maybe got too cute or whatever. Give them credit, they are good on the penalty kill but we need to be better."
Michigan (3-5-0) and AIC (2-6-1) get right back into action Saturday night at Yost at 7:35pm in the series finale.
This post was edited on 11/15 3:18 AM by Bob Miller
