So many threads with one or two single line comments.  I'm sure I'm not the only one with thoughts, so dump away.

Some wanted Rutledge- we got Rutledge.  The early goal rolled some eyes back, I'm sure- since it was a high shot where he had issues in the past.  But beyond that, he was ok.  Not what most hoped for when he first took the ice in October, but certainly better than what he showed us then.  He could have followed the player who scored the second, but was down- I'm more concerned that he came out of the corner by himself than Rutledge's play.  He seemed a little more confident, and did pretty well. 

The emotion and effort was better, too.  Moffie took a penalty late in the second that I was actually happy about- the roughing after the whistle.  It's about time they showed some kind of meanness, which indicates that they care- or at least take it persoanlly.

Hard to say if the play was better, or if MSU is just not that good.  Lots of ice time was taken up by up and down play that seemed to be from just some very sloppy play.

One win is nice.  4pm tonight to see if we can manage two wins in a row on a weekend.

1.  MSU is woeful.  All evaluations of Michigan's performance this weekend must keep this in mind.  33% of our meager win total this season is vs. Sparty.

2.  In the first game of the season, a third period goal like the one last night led to a meltdown by Rutledge (against a team about as bad as MSU).  Last night, not.  So this is progress.

3.  Ditto #2 for the whole team.  We finally won a 1-goal game.  When we got a penalty with 3 minutes left I thought
"uh-oh", but the boys hung in there.

Was that your first game at Yost this year?  Wow, I thought you were there before.

My only "complaint" is that there's not a good place between periods to watch and listen to the band. Other than that, it's amazing.

Especially for a Senior...unacceptable

for rest of the season!  We look awesome...love the style.

a penalty.  My goodness...what a way to protect a 2-0 lead.  FYI, Rutledge needs to use his stick...two goals through the crease and both times he didn't use the stick.  That's on Josh Blackburn, the goalie coach.

Nice PK and goal.

That was a bad shift there...Red needs to show that in film tomorrow.

I'm sorry, but Lee Moffie's play is worse than the Michigan goaltending this year.   He looks like he would struggle on the Michigan club team.  What the hell has happened to him?  Look at his contributions on both goals against and all the penalties this weekend against the worst offense in the league.   A player who had his weakest season as a Senior leader.

Looks like Guptill's great idea to draw even penalties with Berry paid off well.

There you go, Moffie draws an assist now.

Normally, Moffie is taking dumb penalties, certainly.

But when they finally stand up for each other, which was the penalty at the end of the 2nd Friday, I think it's saying that they are starting to gel.  Think.  It could be that they are reacting to State, sure.  They have not done much protecting each other, though, and any time they do, it's good.

Moffie's play has been horrific.  Worst passing I've seen for a long time and I would have taken the A off a long time ago.

Tonight- Rut- keep your stick down.  Simple as that.  But as long as he stops the easy ones here out, it's a step in the right direction.

Where is the goalie coaching?  It feels like Jared has not been coached to use the poke stick on break-aways or moves into the slot. Hunwick was so great at that, which I now think was all Shawn and not coaching.  And, on the bouncing pucks, Jared needs to play those like a shortstop.  That's repetition...over and over and over...until you get comfortable.

Areas for improvement with coaching. 

As a goalie, Rutledge just seems very sleepy and not too energetic.  Passive in net and not using his stick.

Evident in the second goal Friday night and first one tonight.

Look, Jared has played pretty well this weekend...and the team defense, including the forwards, has been much much better.  Jared needs games and needs confidence, but he's our most talented goalie.  I think Red made the right decision in starting him both games and he has upside in his game.  I'm pretty pleased with his effort this weekend. 

My comments were directed at Goalie Coach Josh Blackburn.  He needs to teach Jared to use his stick better, and to slide a bit better across the crease...he can improve that sliding quickness with reps and leg strength...he's only a freshman.

You have to be encouraged by the weekend effort.

Overall, a real good effort.  Where has this been all year?

Yeah, my last game at Yost was the opener of last season. I had seen the scoreboard, but not the new bleachers, concourse, luxury boxes, and the windows. They did a really nice job.