Oh Yeah...

So I guess there were a couple games tonight. Go figure.

In an important early season CCHA match-up, Michigan took down Miami by a score of 6-3 at Yost. Miami jumped out to an early 1-0 lead after one period, but Michigan came back strong in the second period, scoring three goals and only giving up one. Michigan put the game away in the third when Chad Kolarik scored three goals, while Justin Mercier scored the lone third period goal for Miami. Hey, I think I read somewhere that Chad Kolarik could have a pretty big year this year.

Charlie Effinger got the start in goal for Miami, and didn't have a great night. He ended up giving up 5 goals on just 19 shots. Billy Sauer got the start in goal for Michigan and had a decent outing, giving up three goals on 25 shots.

The two teams meet again tomorrow night at Yost, where Miami has struggled since coach Enrico Blasi was playing for Miami. The weird Thursday/Friday series was done to avoid the Michigan football game which is schedule for a late afternoon start on Saturday.

In what seems to be an annual tradition, the NTDP U18 team beat Michigan State. The final score ended 5-4. I believe this is the NTDP's third victory in six years against Michigan State.

Michigan State dressed their normal lineup and started starting goalie Jeff Lerg in goal. They jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, but Team USA stormed back with 4 unanswered goals, and took a 5-3 lead into the third period, where Michigan State came close, but couldn't close the gap. The key play of the game came in the second period when Justin Abdelkader took a 5 minute boarding penalty and Team USA scored 3 goals on the resulting powerplay.

What's scary for Michigan State is that 4 of the 5 Team USA goals came from players that have committed to schools that Michigan State plays every season(Ted Ruth, Matt Rust, Mike Hoeffel, Justin Vaive).

The Blog That Yost Built has more detailed thoughts on the game.