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Ann Arbor, MI- In one of the most physical hockey games that I have ever seen played, the University of Michigan-Dearborn came into the Ice Cube and played a perfect style of hockey against the Eastern Eagles on route to a 4-1 victory. The game was hard fought by both sides for the first two periods and it was a game that also had it's share of injuries. I think both teams are going to be extremely grateful for the break that is coming to them.

The first period was really the tone setter for the entire game. Both teams started skating out really quickly and were hitting each other left and right. There was also one incident with McNamara running directly into the boards with his head; he was laying on the ground for about a minute or two. That's a scary situation, and I'm sure that he didn't feel that great after that.  It was a period in which both teams had a couple of chances; but nothing extremely major.

The second period is when things started to get really interesting. At the 6:11 mark a scuffle broke out; and several penalties were called. Eastern Michigan had a double minor on York; and a 2 minute penalty on Koveleski while Michigan-Dearborn had a double minor on Rodhe. However, neither team was given a power play when rightfully Michigan-Dearborn should of had one. (This is my best guess; if anyone knows a better way to describe what happened please tell me!!) This caused for approximately a 15-20 minute delay in the game; perhaps longer, I lost track. Turns out that about 4 minutes after that; UMD scored their first goal of the game. 

The third period was clearly the backbreaker with Michigan-Dearborn scoring two quick goals, which clearly sucked the life out of the Eastern Michigan hockey team. Eastern Michigan scored a power play goal on a nice shot from McNamara but really the way Dearborn was playing a three goal lead was too much.

Eastern Michigan didn't seem to show up tonight. There were only three groups of people who showed up tonight. Michigan-Dearborn, the Goalies and the Pep Band. Eastern's passes weren't very crisp and Dearborn was consistently stealing the puck. The defense allowed for Dearborn to get into the offensive zone and the slot without a ton of problem, and the offense just couldn't connect to really do anything impressive. Granted, they were playing against a team who was constantly on top of them, but they just didn't seem like they were there. 

Eastern Michigan's Power Play despite scoring one goal tonight, has also not been terribly impressive of late. Eastern's #1 Power Play line had given up 3 shorthanded goals, and didn't score a single power play goal in the last 4 games. 19 power play opportunities. 

I really, really hope that Eastern Michigan can get these problems out of their system with some rest and relaxation and come out with some more power and success.

Eastern Michigan's Pep Band also decided to show up for this game. I'm really glad they did, without them this game would of been even MORE depressing. The Pep Band continues to have fun even in the most adverse situations, I just wish they'd show up a bit more often they make the Cube a more lively place.

Looking Ahead: 
Eastern Michigan will play an exhibition game against the University of Windsor on Wednesday, January 2nd and will have a home-home series against Western Michigan, with the EMU home game on Saturday.

Until next time, Go Green.

C-
Reasoning: The offense was not in sync at all, passes never reached their goal, and 1 goal was all that EMU could muster. Eastern had some opportunties to do things but didn't. The offense MUST improve and revert to the way they played offense the first couple weeks of the season, because this is unacceptable.

B-
Reasoning: The defense did some things right, but not nearly enough to warrant a nicer grade. The defense allowed for Dearborn to get into positions in the offensive zone, and forced Pruss to make some really nice saves. At some times, I really wondered where the defense was. Again, part of the lackadaisical effort. 

 C
Reasoning: One Power Play Goal, wow. One given up PPG, not good. This must improve.

A-
The goals were not Pruss's fault, he played outstanding. 

C+
It was a very disappointing game for Eastern Michigan. I hope the next time that I see them, they look a lot better.

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