The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/213966
michigan hockey Hockey Rewind: Nov. 1-16 Overall Record: 7-2-1. National Ranking: No. 2. Record Nov. 1-16: 3-1-0. Pairwise Ranking: Not available yet. Best Win — 4-3 at Nebraska-Omaha: Michigan has not had to battle back from adversity very often this season, but following a loss to the Mavericks on Nov. 15, the Wolverines were tasked with rallying to avoid being swept on the road. U-M led 1-0, 2-0 and 3-1, but saw Nebraska tie the score midway through the third period. Proving their mental toughness, the Maize and Blue capitalized on a chance just 50 seconds later, and then held on to the 4-3 win behind 40 saves from sophomore goalie Steve Racine. Worst Loss — 3-2 at Nebraska-Omaha: In its first eight games, Michigan had not blown a single third-period lead, so up 2-1 over the Mavericks after 40 minutes of play, and with freshman phenom Zach Nagelvoort in net, the Wolverines felt good about their chances to beat UNO in the first of a two-game road series Nov. 15-16. U-M came undone in the third, though, surrendering two goals while failing to register one of their own. MVP — Senior Mac Bennett: Michigan's captain, Bennett has set the pace for the Wolverines this season, influencing a selfless team that relies on effort and hard work, and doesn't demand the spotlight like many of U-M's star-studded teams of the past. In 10 games, Bennett has only three assists and is plus-two, but the defender has helped limit opponents to 1.97 goals per game and has been the steady presence this young team has needed. On The Rise — Junior Phil Di Giuseppe: After a pair of ho-hum seasons in which the talented forward performed below expectations — the secondround NHL Draft Pick netted only 20 goals in 80 games — the Maple, Ontario, native has started fast this year, scoring four times with four assists in Michigan's first 10 contests. Di Giuseppe possesses some of the best offensive skill on the team and needs to consistently deliver for U-M. Top Freshman — J.T. Compher: The most-heralded rookie in a 10-man freshman class, the Buffalo Sabres' 2013 second-round draft pick has been lauded throughout his career for his overall game, and this season he has shown why. In 10 contests, the 5-11, 185-pound forward had two goals, a team-high six assists and was plus-three, the second-best mark on the team. Series To Watch — Nov. 29-Dec. 2 vs. Ohio State: Michigan begins its first season of Big Ten play against a familiar foe. U-M will host the Buckeyes on the eve of the rivals' football game at Michigan Stadium while heading to Columbus for a Monday night primetime game. Both contests will start at 7 p.m. and can be seen on the Big Ten Network (Nov. 29) and Fox Sports Detroit (Dec. 2). — Michael Spath