Both teams powerful with man advantage

DAVID ROCHKIND/Daily Michigan forward Sean Ritchlin put this shot in the second period past Bowling Green goaltender Mike Savard to give the Wolverines a 3-1 advantage. The goal was Ritchlin's seventh of the season.

By Mark Francescutti
Daily Sports Writer

Last night's Michigan-Bowling Green battle definitely had its power.

Both teams combined for six power-play goals, and both netted three of their six opportunities.

Even though the Wolverines prepared all week to defend the Falcons' power play - one of the most prolific in the conference - the Michigan penalty-kill unit still gave up more goals than it had in any game this season.

"We knew they had a good power play and we just couldn't stop them," Michigan coach Red Berenson said. "We also took too many penalties - too many for my liking."

The Falcons used their man-advantage prowess to haunt the Wolverines all night, keeping within a goal each time.

"We had good puck movement. We really finished our chances tonight," Bowling Green coach Buddy Powers said. "When our guys make good reads like they did tonight, we should be successful."

Assistant captain Dale Rominski said, most of Michigan's mistakes were purely fundamental errors, sometimes due to one man positioning himself incorrectly.

"On their goals we obviously had a lapse, but they were honest mistakes," Rominski said. "They moved the puck excellently. Maybe we should take notes from them."

But the Michigan power play didn't need to take any notes tonight, saving the Michigan's penalty-kill letdown matching the Falcons and earning a much needed two points.

WHERE'S THE D?: Unlike earlier in the season when the Wolverines stifled many of their opponents, giving up two goals or fewer in 16 games, Michigan has struggled as of late. The Wolverines have given up three or more goals in the past five games. Last night's game saw a wide open offensive battle with both teams giving up several excellent chances.

And few blamed goaltender Josh Blackburn, who was often left in very vulnerable situations with little chance on many of the goals.

"They were moving well all night," Geoff Koch said. "We were real vulnerable in the slot."

And other recent games Michigan gave up a late third-period goal to give its opponent a chance.

"I definitely thought that we gave up too much tonight," Berenson said. "It wasn't a goalie's game."

Losing sophomore Mike Van Ryn didn't help the Michigan defensive cause, either. The defenseman left the game early in the first period with a calf muscle injury after crashing into the net on the scoring chance.

Van Ryn's luck didn't improve as referee Matt Shegos ruled that the net came off before the puck trickled into the net.

Berenson made no comment on whether or not Van Ryn would be available for Saturday night's game at Ohio State, saying he would look at the situation today.

NOT DONE WITH GREEN YET: Not only does Michigan still have to battle the Green of Michigan State for two more battles, but the Wolverines may have not seen the last of Bowling Green.

With the Falcons presently in seventh place, it's very possible that the Wolverines might face them in the first round of the CCHA playoffs.

"That's a long way down the road," Powers said. "I have a feeling that things are going to change in this conference.

IN MEMORY: Former Michigan hockey greats Marty Turco and Jason Botterill also came to last night's game. Both came in memory of former Sports Information Director Brian Fishman, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning on Jan. 7.

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