Wolverines Discuss What it Will Take to Reverse Fortunes at Yost

By Steve Kornacki

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- University of Michigan ice hockey defenseman Quinn Hughes notched three assists against Michigan State Friday night (Nov. 30) and now shares the national lead in that category with 15 on the season.

But Hughes also was on the ice for every goal against his team in a 4-3 loss at Munn Ice Arena. Michigan head coach Mel Pearson wasn't pleased with the defensive effort of Hughes or pretty much anybody on his team.

"Quinn was good offensively," said Pearson, "but that's the risk-reward. But it's not Quinn. We've got to be much better defensively as a team. When we get the lead, we've got to continue to play, and we let them back in the game a couple times. On the road, that next goal's important."

The No. 14-ranked Wolverines (6-6-2, 2-3-2-1 Big Ten) took a 1-0 lead early in the first period, and a 2-1 lead early in the second period. But they couldn't capitalize on a pair of power plays that provided two golden opportunities to take a two-goal lead and perhaps dictate a much different outcome.

Was that the key to the game?

"Absolutely," said Pearson. "It's at critical times. It was back-to-back in the first period (and Josh Norris scored on the first power play), and we didn't do much after that first one. I think we over-passed the puck. ... We had a few chances, but we've got to be better than that."

Hughes was asked about those failed opportunities helping determine their fate, and said, "Yeah, but even at the end I thought we had our chances. I think I could've walked out of here with five or six points, but sometimes they just don't go in for you. I'm sure there are other guys on the team that feel that way. I think Josh (Norris) had a couple chances, and Becks (Jack Becker) had one that he wants back."

Michigan failed to convert on its other four man-advantage situations, and Jack Becker and linemate Nick Pastujov scored even-strength goals. Becker later whiffed on a clear shot at a half-open net, but Pastujov picked up that puck and deposited it. That third goal by Pastujov could've been enough offense to win, but not on a night when the defense wasn't satisfactory.

The Wolverines will be looking to split the weekend series with the Spartans (6-7-0, 2-3-0-0 Big Ten) on Saturday night (Dec. 1) at Yost Ice Arena.

"We've got to do better tomorrow," said Pearson.

Quinn Hughes Hughes

What's the most important area requiring improvement?

"Faceoffs," said Pearson. "We got pretty cleaned there tonight on faceoffs. They controlled the puck and we're chasing them all night."

Michigan won 32 faceoffs, but lost 42.

"We just didn't take control of the game," said Pearson. "It was just sloppy. We got out-muscled and lost a lot of 50-50 pucks tonight. We were on the wrong side of the puck and got trapped on the forechecks -- just a lot of mental errors.

"Some of it was their grit and grind, and we're going to have to learn to play with things like this. It's not going to be all up-and-down hockey every night. We're going to have to start, stop, grind it out and keep it simple, and find a way to win games. … I don't think we played with a lot of urgency or desperation. We did it, but not consistently enough.

"We've got learn or we will continue to be inconsistent. Until we all buy in and understand that, we're going to be an up-and-down team."

The Wolverines also had a slow start last season before turning everything around Jan. 12, and finished with a flourish to reach the Frozen Four. Goalie Hayden Lavigne stepped up to become a force, the defense solidified and the offense grew as the top line of Dexter Dancs, Cooper Marody and Tony Calderone showed the way.

"We were below .500 after Christmas," said Pearson, "but that's not what we want. It's a host of things: inconsistent goaltending, poor defensive play at times, special teams (being) inconsistent. We've got pieces, but some of the pieces aren't working well. We've got a flat tire here one night.

"It's frustrating. If the other team just comes out and beats you, that's one thing. But we're continuing to beat ourselves right now. That's the frustrating part. We've got to wake up."

Pastujov

However, the entire high-scoring "DMC" Line has moved on, Lavigne is battling for supremacy with freshman Strauss Mann, and the defense -- expected to be a significant strength -- has yet to play up to potential.

Pearson assessed Lavigne's play in stopping 25-of-29 shots as "average," and noted "you've got to get great goaltending on the road" to win.

The "SNL" Line of Jake Slaker (seven goals), Norris (eight) and Will Lockwood (four) has scored 19 times, but Pastujov (eight) is the only other Wolverine with more than four goals.

The top defensive tandem of Hughes and Joseph Cecconi both were minus-1 on the night.

Hughes was asked to assess his offensive effort.

"I was trying to do my part and chip in," he said. "I was trying to make time and space for myself and I thought I'd have that with these guys."

What about his defense?

"It is what it is," said Hughes. "Obviously, I don't want to be on the ice for any goals. But I'll go watch the tapes and look at it tomorrow, and maybe I can have three assists and not be out for any goals.

"Obviously, we didn't get the result we wanted. There are still some good things you can take from the game, but obviously tomorrow night at Yost it should be an exciting crowd. We're excited and tomorrow's crucial. We've got to win that one."

Pearson said of his team: "We have to make sure we ask more of ourselves."