Trying something new here: David Nasternack hosts a special hockey edition with Antony Ciatti. If you’re late to the party here’s your chance to meet the team and where they’re going. Let us know if you’d like more of these in the future.

Recorded at the Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown in the Notre Dame room, which is the safest room in the building because Rutgers doesn't play the sport that Notre Dame plays in the Big Ten.

We Couldn’t Have One Without the Other

We can do this because people support us. You should support them too so they’ll want to do it again next year! The show is presented by UGP & The Bo Store, and if it wasn’t for Rishi and Ryan there would be VERY long hiatuses between podcasts.

Our other sponsors are also key to all of this: HomeSure Lending, Peak Wealth Management, Ann Arbor Elder Law, the Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown, the University of Michigan Alumni Association, Michigan Law Grad,Human Element, Lantana Hummus and Ecotelligent Homes

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1. Boston University

starts at 1:00

Exceeded our best hopes by ten pairwise spots. Tighter than the 6-3 score, weird bounces, Michigan hung on with two really good goals. Weird to see Michigan less talented than an opponent, though it wasn’t by that much. Except for an amazing play by a guy literally already in the NHL this morning Mel was able to scheme these guys out of the middle. Weird BU coaching: left their best power play weapon off special teams.

2. Northeastern

starts at 19:00

If we had to pick one team not to play in the first round it would have been them or Duluth. Swallowed whistles of playoffs helped neutralize that power play but the real difference was using Hughes to control possession against that top line. Michigan outplayed them 5-on-5 so that PK time was a big deal. Very impressed with Primeau’s son versus Michigan’s onslaught.

3. How Did We Get Here?

starts at 32:31

Mel Pearson with the best first-year coaching job at Michigan since 1969. Started the season behind Michigan State, broke out after the break despite losing Will Lockwood. The more time Mel got with the defense the less leaky they became, helped that Lavigne locked down the starting spot in net—they can practice to emphasize his hugeness. Underrated moment for this year: the Pastujov line coming together to provide a solid third line—Michigan has its lower lines for 2-3 more years! Norris playing a defensive role despite being a 1st rounder is a huge value for this team. Slaker really came along too. Mel doesn’t ask guys to do things who don’t have those skills.

4. Frozen Four Preview

starts at 50:56

Notre Dame: every game has been the same, Michigan barely surviving but proving they’re similarly talented—ND is just many more years into their Mel transition. Jeff Jackson might be one of the best coaches in college hockey history and is still at his peak over a decade into his last job. Giving him two weeks to prepare for this is not great. ND not a behemoth this year—not more talented than M in terms of draft picks, etc. Great goalie, but stay out of the box and play five-on-five.

Minn-Duluth had to play through injuries and five players at the Juniors so they’re really good when they’re together. Duluth will have home ice. They’re like Notre Dame with more offensive talent, and older, and with NoDak’s fans. Excellent on special teams.

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MUSIC

“NHL on ESPN Theme”

“Hartford Whalers Song”—Brass Bonanza 

“NHL 94 (Genesis) Intro Theme”

“Across 110th Street”

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What's with the theme music?