Michigan HockeyCast 8.21: Banner Time

Mar 24, 2026

They gripe about the drawn-out NCAA selection show and whether neutral sites or campus rinks make for better atmospheres. They recap a tense Big Ten final, controversial calls, a key injury, and a thrilling celebration. They preview regionals, break down matchup threats like Bentley and Duluth, and debate bubble teams, broadcasting quirks, and tournament travel dynamics.

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INSIGHT

Penalties Are Michigan's Biggest Tournament Vulnerability

Michigan's main vulnerability is frequent, often unnecessary penalties paired with an only-adequate penalty kill.
Both hosts warned that bad penalties can let good teams score early and derail Michigan's game plan.

INSIGHT

Schifsky's Individual Skill Can Flip Games

Garrett Schifsky can change momentum with individual efforts and long-range finishing.
David highlighted Schifsky's neutral-zone rush and top-corner clapper that "saved the period" against Ohio State.

INSIGHT

Depth Produced Third Period Breakaway In Final

Michigan's depth lets them wear teams down and finish in the third period rather than relying on one line.
Multiple secondary scorers like TJ Hughes, Jaden Perron, and Luka Fantilli produced clutch third-period goals in the Big Ten final.

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1 Hour and 35 Minutes

With David Nasternak and Alex Drain

This Podcast Has a Sponsor: Michigan Law Grad Jonathan Paul is the guy with the C you want skating next to the ref and pleading your case. He's also a good guy to sit next to at the hockey games.

Segment 1
There is no need for the NCAA hockey tournament selection show to be drawn out as much as it is. It took 20 minutes to find out anything interesting. It's just hostage-taking for fans just wanting the bracket. What are the pros and cons of neutral site games? Campuses are better atmospheres but at least it's fun to explore host cities if you travel. Hosting the tournament in smaller, less prominent locations makes the tournament feel like the minor leagues. Empty arenas diminish the viewing experience. Anyways, Michigan won the Big Ten Tournament. Some penalties felt controversial and rewarded embellishment. Michigan's depth and skill took over late. Hopefully Hage is okay. There's a perfect satisfaction that comes with beating Ohio State in the championship game more than anyone else.
Segment 2
What do the other conference championship games mean for the tournament? Bentley beats out Sacred Heart, Dartmouth beat Princeton, and Merrimack wins a surprising Hockey East title. Discussions of Pierre Maguire's broadcasting quirks. Denver was resilient in not blowing it in double overtime after having a big lead in regulation. Michigan should be a heavy favorite over Bentley but they're better than a typical low seed. Michigan's scoring should be sufficient if they keep out of penalty trouble. Are they more likely to play Minnesota-Duluth in the 2nd round than Penn State? Alex likes Western Michigan over Denver in a regional game in... Denver. Are there enough UConn fans to watch their hockey team play instead of either their men's or women's basketball games? Who is possibly going to come out of Sioux Falls alive? North Dakota hasn't made the Frozen Four in ten years. Michigan plays Friday at 5:30 on ESPNU.

MUSIC

NHL on ESPN Theme
"Wolf Like Me" -- TV On The Radio
Ice Hockey (NES) theme