Postgame Quotes: Michigan 5, Ohio State 2
2/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
Feb. 28, 2015
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Michigan Head Coach Red Berenson
On JT Compher's big weekend ... "You look at our team, and JT (Compher) is definitely a top six forward on our team, and you've got to produce in that role. He's produced all his life, all the way through last year, and when it wasn't going for him, we kept him in a good spot. His work ethic and his attitude were really good. He's a good teammate, he was a good linemate, and the whole team is happy for him. You saw him out there blocking shots today, doing the right thing, trying to make plays to linemates. It's good to see the puck go in for him."
On Steve Racine's recent success in net ... "I really do think he simplified his game. He's not overly aggressive, he seems to be tracking the puck better. Most goalies, when they're playing well, will make tough saves look easy, and right now he is close to that."
On Wisconsin's goal at the end of the second period ... "Our feeling was that we had to have a good third period tonight. Once the game progressed the way it did, either way, it didn't matter. It was up to us to have our best period of the weekend, and I liked the way we answered the bell in the third period. We didn't worry about the goal or whether it was in or not, and we trust that they got it right, and we just talked about having our best third period."
On success of Michigan's special teams ... "It's been a work in progress. We've had some really good moments and then some not-so-good moments. You can just see it getting better month to month. Our penalty killing has been a concern, and it's getting better as well. The power-play can be dangerous, and it's starting to look like an old-time Michigan hockey team."
U-M Sophomore Forward JT Compher
On his big weekend ... "It was a good weekend. I think that we had some good chemistry with me, Andrew (Copp) and Alex Kile. I think we got a lot of chances yesterday and the beginning of this game. It was nice to feel good out there, and to get a couple in the net were pretty good as well. It was just a big weekend and good win for us"
On the hat trick reaction from the crowd ... "I've never seen anything quite like that. Growing up you aren't playing in front of this many fans, so it was pretty cool. I got a bit lucky on the turnover for the last one, but it was a pretty cool sight."
On the play of Steve Racine ... "I think Steve has really done a good job of keeping his work ethic up and in practice. It's really showing in the games, he's making good saves, the ones he should make and the ones that are really good saves when we've hung him up to dry. It feels good to get that goal against down, and it's starting with Steve for sure."
U-M Junior Forward Andrew Copp
On the momentum gained from the sweep this weekend ... "It's something we had to have. If we're going to keep playing past the games we've been given this year we have to start playing like we did this weekend. We were really good defensively, only allowed two goals. Our power play was really good, like to see us have a bit more success five on five, but all in all a pretty good weekend. Something we had to have."
On what the difference has been in the defensive zone ... "I thought Steve (Racine) was very good. That's something he's worked for, and I think we needed him to have a good weekend. I think we slowed down our transition game, I don't think they had a lot of rushes. It was a lot of in-zone stuff that we're continuing to work on, like not leaving guys out in front, all alone and leaving our guys in front. All in all, I think it was good that we took away their speed. We need disrupt a few more things in the defensive zone but we're getting there."
U-M Junior Forward Justin Selman
On the team's success on the power play ... "I think it's huge. We talk a lot about it during the week, getting pucks on net, getting guys in front of the net, so it's good to see the power play clicking. Guys are putting pucks in, and that's going to be big down the stretch."
On gaining sole possession of first place in the Big Ten ... "Of course it's huge. It's something we've worked for all spring, all summer, and every day in practice. (We) can't look too much at it right now, we have a big weekend coming up against Penn State, but it's certainly nice to end this weekend in first place."
