MATTY BENIERS

DETROIT, Mich. - After not having the best of times up in Canada earlier this week, the Detroit Red Wings hope they can find some post-trade deadline positivity when they get set to host the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night. Detroit was pummeled in a pair of games against the Ottawa Senators earlier this week, getting outscored 12-3 in the process. On top of that, the Wings have lost three-straight games, and are now in seventh in the Atlantic Division. A team that is not fretting about their playoff hopes following the end of the deadline is the Seattle Kraken. Check out more stories about the Detroit Red Wings here on MLiveNHL HockeyWho: Seattle Kraken (33-21-6) vs. Detroit Red Wings (28-24-8)When: Thursday, March 2Time: 7 p.m.

After a short trip up to Ontario, the Detroit Red Wings come home Thursday night to take on the exciting Seattle Kraken, led by their young star, and former Michigan Wolverine Matty Beniers. While the Red Wings are still battling to get into a Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference, the Kraken is trying to maintain a playoff spot in the West, trying to get up into the top three of the Pacific Division. For those still looking to see the game in person, there are many ways to buy tickets:Detroit’s first meeting with Seattle this season saw them end their west coast trip on a whimper, losing 4-2 in the Pacific Northwest last month. HOW TO WATCHTime: 7 p.m. ETWhere: Little Caesars Arena (Detroit, Mich.)Channel: Bally Sports DetroitStream: FuboTV (Free Trial)Check out the NHL standings and results on NHL.com

Andre Burakovsky had two goals, including the winner in overtime, and the Seattle Kraken defeated the Los Angeles Kings 9-8 in the highest-scoring NHL game this season.

Three of Michigan’s four top-five picks in the 2021 NHL Draft are now in the NHL. Sophomore forward Matty Beniers, selected second overall, became the third when he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Seattle Kraken on Sunday, the team announced. 1 overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres, sophomore forward Kent Johnson, drafted No. The quartet combined for 141 points this season for Michigan, which earned the No. “We’re excited to officially welcome Matty to our organization,” Kraken general manager Ron Francis said in a statement.

Owen Power is trading in Michigan maize and blue for the blue and gold of the Buffalo Sabres, and he is far from the only Wolverine making the leap to the NHL. The Michigan exodus is underway less than 24 hours after the loaded Wolverines were knocked out of the Frozen Four short of a national title. Before Power inked his deal with Buffalo on Friday, teammates Kent Johnson and Nick Blankenburg signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

BOSTON – Michigan sophomore Matty Beniers always envisioned playing at TD Garden while attending Boston Bruins games growing up. After a standout freshman season with 24 points in 24 games, Beniers was selected by the Seattle Kraken No. We wanted a great hockey program but we also wanted a great school where he could get a good education. “He’s really excited,” Pearson said. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

Michigan’s hockey team had high expectations for the 2021-22 season from the moment it stepped onto the ice for its first practice. Before arriving in Ann Arbor, Power played two seasons with the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League. In the six games Power missed while in Beijing from Jan. 28-Feb. 19, Luke had seven goals and three assists. MORE: Michigan’s ‘old veteran’ ready for one last rideHow Michigan fared in last 10 NCAA appearancesIt’s Frozen Four or bust for Michigan’s star-studded hockey teamMichigan hockey racks up Big Ten honorsNick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainSee how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 years‘Rock star’ goalie Erik Portillo a difference-maker for Michigan hockeyNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

8 Notre Dame on Saturday, head coach Mel Pearson sat down with his three Olympian forwards to discuss what his expectations were of them moving forward. Matty Beniers drives the line, does some good things and ‘Bris’, he was good. “I’m not sure if any other team has that combination of players on one line,” Beniers said. You don’t want to give them much time or space or room because they can make you pay.”MORE MICHIGAN HOCKEY: Nick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainIt’s Frozen Four or bust for Michigan’s star-studded hockey teamMichigan hockey’s Olympians describe Beijing experience: ‘It was a wild journey’See how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 years‘Rock star’ goalie Erik Portillo a difference-maker for Michigan hockeyNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

ANN ARBOR – Michigan’s hockey team finally solved Notre Dame. 2 seed Michigan (28-9-1) will face the winner of No. “We wanted the opportunity to play them again,” Michigan head coach Mel Pearson said of facing Notre Dame. MORE MICHIGAN HOCKEY: Nick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainIt’s Frozen Four or bust for Michigan’s star-studded hockey teamMichigan hockey’s Olympians describe Beijing experience: ‘It was a wild journey’See how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 years‘Rock star’ goalie Erik Portillo a difference-maker for Michigan hockeyNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

ANN ARBOR – Michigan’s hockey team was rolling heading into its final series of the regular season against Notre Dame. 7 seed Michigan State, and it got back on track against its in-state rival at Yost Ice Arena. Michigan with a snowman on Sparty and finishes season 6-0 against MSU this season #GoBlue〽️ pic.twitter.com/gOHFxZwdTF — Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) March 6, 2022“It was huge,” Michigan junior forward Johnny Beecher said of the sweep. It’s really just focusing on our group and getting our systems in place and making sure we continue to get better at that.”MORE MICHIGAN HOCKEY: Nick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainIt’s Frozen Four or bust for Michigan’s star-studded hockey teamMichigan hockey’s Olympians describe Beijing experience: ‘It was a wild journey’See how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 years‘Rock star’ goalie Erik Portillo a difference-maker for Michigan hockeyNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

Quarterbacking the power play, sophomore Thomas Bordeleau, a 2020 second-round draft pick, faked a shot before teeing up a one-timer for sophomore Matty Beniers, the 2021 No. 4 overall pick, showed off his elite skating and edge work in the second period to give Michigan the lead. Michigan won every game while they were gone, and their return has forced Pearson to juggle his lineup. He’s strong, plays strong on his feet.”MORE MICHIGAN HOCKEY: Nick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainIt’s Frozen Four or bust for Michigan’s star-studded hockey teamMichigan hockey’s Olympians describe Beijing experience: ‘It was a wild journey’See how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 years‘Rock star’ goalie Erik Portillo a difference-maker for Michigan hockeyNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

ANN ARBOR -- The Michigan hockey team’s dominance against Michigan State this season continued Friday night. The fifth-ranked Wolverines scored four unanswered goals for a 4-1 victory in a best-of-three Big Ten quarterfinal at Yost Ice Arena. Michigan (26-9-1) failed to close out a Big Ten regular season title and first-round bye in the conference tournament by getting swept by Notre Dame last weekend, but it bounced back Friday, overcoming a sluggish start. MORE MICHIGAN HOCKEY: Nick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainIt’s Frozen Four or bust for Michigan’s star-studded hockey teamMichigan hockey’s Olympians describe Beijing experience: ‘It was a wild journey’See how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 years‘Rock star’ goalie Erik Portillo a difference-maker for Michigan hockeyNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

It won’t face a season-ending scenario until the NCAA Tournament, but the Big Ten Tournament will be a vital tune-up ahead of the big dance. (Last year’s Michigan team had six but never had a chance to compete in the tournament). Every team is going to be really good at that. They’re extremely good at those little things that really are important when you’re in playoff hockey.”MORE MICHIGAN HOCKEY: Nick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainSee how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 yearsNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

The month of February was a whirlwind for the Michigan hockey team’s four Olympians. We weren’t allowed to do much other than that.”With Canada holding a training camp before the Beijing games, Johnson and Power missed six Michigan games from Jan. 29-Feb. 19. Despite the Olympians being Michigan’s four leading scorers before leaving for Beijing, the fifth-ranked Wolverines (25-9-1) won every game without them. We’ve won a lot of games, so I’m not too concerned.”MORE MICHIGAN HOCKEY: Nick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainSee how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 years‘Rock star’ goalie Erik Portillo a difference-maker for Michigan hockeyNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

Michigan’s hockey team will be the No. Final score from South Bend pic.twitter.com/FgmjQchCUD — Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) February 27, 2022Michigan sophomore forward Matty Beniers, the 2021 No. “Obviously, it’s a tough weekend,” Michigan forward Garrett Van Wyhe said. MORE MICHIGAN HOCKEY: Nick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainSee how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 years‘Rock star’ goalie Erik Portillo a difference-maker for Michigan hockeyNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

But first, here’s how each fared during the 2022 games. MannThe former Michigan goalie only started two of the four games for USA, but it was the team’s two biggest. The former fourth-round draft pick played 231 games in the NHL but is now under contract in the Kontinental Hockey League. MORE MICHIGAN HOCKEY: Nick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainSee how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 years‘Rock star’ goalie Erik Portillo a difference-maker for Michigan hockeyNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

Slovakia is headed to the semifinals after shocking the U.S. men's hockey team with a shootout victory in the Olympic quarterfinals.

The Slovakians have earned a date with the U.S. in the men's Olympic hockey quarterfinals.

Team USA’s men’s hockey team improved to 2-0 at the 2022 Beijing Olympics with a 4-2 win over rival Canada on Friday Saturday morning, and a group of players with Michigan ties helped lead the way. The Americans took the lead late in the first period, and Michigan sophomore forward Brendan Brisson extended it early in the second period. After Canada goalie Edward Pasquale misplayed the puck behind his net, Nick Shore fed Brisson in front for another backhand goal. Meanwhile, Michigan sophomore forward Matty Beniers, led all USA forwards in ice time for a second straight game. 1 overall pick, led the team with 22:13 of ice time, while sophomore forward Kent Johnson, the 2021 fifth overall pick, had a team-high five shots on goal.

ANN ARBOR – Despite missing its top four scorers Friday, Michigan’s hockey team kept on humming. The fourth-ranked Wolverines extended their win streak to four games, beating Michigan State 6-2 at Yost Ice Arena. With Friday’s win, the Wolverines pull into a first-place tie with Ohio State and still have two games in hand. 1 pick Owen Power named to Canada Olympic roster; Kent Johnson an alternateNick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainSee how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 yearsNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

It didn’t take long for Michigan sophomore forwards Brendan Brisson and Matty Beniers to find the scoresheet at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. 2 overall pick by the Seattle Kraken picked the top corner with a wrist shot to extend the lead to 7-0. With no NHL players participating in the winter games, Beniers and Brisson are two of 15 NCAA players on USA’s roster. RELATED: Michigan hockey’s Brisson, Beniers excited for ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity at 2022 OlympicsMeanwhile, former Michigan defenseman Steven Kampfer recorded an assist and was a plus-3. 3 Michigan hockeyLaw firm investigates Michigan hockey over allegations of COVID deception, toxic environment

Here is a list of athletes with ties to the state of Michigan who are competing at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Two more Michigan hockey players are headed to the 2022 Beijing Olympics. 1 overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres, was named to Team Canada’s 25-player roster on Tuesday, while sophomore forward Kent Johnson, the No. Their Olympic invites stem from the NHL’s decision to not participate in the 2022 Games because of COVID-19 and scheduling concerns. MORE MICHIGAN HOCKEY: Nick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainSee how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 yearsNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockey

Crucial points were on the line for Michigan’s hockey team during its weekend two-game series against No. RELATED: Michigan hockey’s Brisson, Beniers excited for ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity at 2022 Olympics“Not the start we wanted,” Michigan head coach Mel Pearson said. Another big road win. MORE: See how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 yearsNew assistant’s analytical approach paying dividends for No. 3 Michigan hockey

Get to know the top names on the U.S. Olympic men's hockey team ahead of the Winter Games.

When the Michigan hockey team’s season began in October, participating in the 2022 Beijing Olympics was the last thing on the minds of sophomore forwards Matty Beniers and Brendan Brisson. Kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”MORE MICHIGAN HOCKEY: Nick Blankenburg’s rise from walk-on to Michigan hockey captainLike most young hockey players growing up, Beniers and Brisson dreamed of playing in the Olympics. “Not too worried about playing against older guys,” Beniers said. Brisson, from Manhattan Beach, Calif., and Beniers, from Hingham, Mass., participating in the Olympics will come at a cost to Michigan, however. I’m not sure if they’ll be together this weekend because we haven’t been getting much secondary scoring.”MORE: See how the Michigan hockey sweater has evolved over 97 years

ANN ARBOR – Michigan’s hockey team was on the verge of allowing three important points in the Big Ten standings slip away against last-place Penn State on Saturday. Michigan was searching for a spark to get back in the game, and it got it late in the second period. “I don’t think there was ever any panic,” Michigan head coach Mel Pearson said about the team’s two-goal deficit. “This is a huge statement game for us,” said forward Nolan Moyle, who scored the team’s first goal Saturday. I think this is a huge win for us, and the last couple weekends have been huge for us.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan head Mel Pearson said his team relied too heavily on goalie Erik Portillo in Friday’s 3-2 win over Penn State. The sophomore made a career-high 44 saves as Michigan rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat Penn State 4-3 at Yost Ice Arena, completing the two-game weekend series sweep. But Michigan got one back with 1:15 to play in the second period as sophomore Matty Beniers, the 2021 No. “It’s hard to beat a team four times in a year,” head coach Mel Pearson said. “It’s hard enough to beat a team twice in a year, let alone four times.

Michigan’s hockey team has moved back into first place in the Big Ten. Michigan hangs on and takes this one 3-2#GoBlue〽️ pic.twitter.com/pz3v7k658R — Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) January 15, 2022With Minnesota playing a nonconference series this weekend, Michigan (17-6-1, 8-5 Big Ten) jumped the Golden Gophers for first place. “Every point matters, so we’re just going one game at a time and one point at a time. Moments before their second goal, goalie Oskar Autio robbed Michigan captain Nick Blankenburg, and PSU transitioned the other way and scored on a two-on-one. Pearson said his team will need a better effort Saturday if it is going to extend its win streak to four.

Two Michigan hockey players will compete for the United States at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Sophomore forwards Brendan Brisson and Matty Beniers were named to the U.S. roster on Thursday in an announcement on ESPN2. They might not be the only Michigan players at the Olympics, either. At the 2018 games, NHL players did not participate for the first time since 1980. MORE: Michigan hockey coach fully supports his players participating in Olympics

College players make up almost two-thirds of the U.S. Olympic hockey roster for Beijing.

Michigan Wolverines Matty Beniers and Brendan Brisson headline the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team.

Michigan’s hockey team is back in the top five of the U.S. College Hockey Online rankings after a weekend sweep over defending national champion UMass. The team opened the second half of their season last weekend with 4-1 and 4-2 victories over No. The wins vaulted Michigan into the top five for the first time since the Dec. 13 USCHO poll. The Wolverines benefitted from having five key players back in the lineup after they missed the team’s previous game Dec. 29 against Michigan Tech. They are the top three scorers on the team and all rank in the top-10 nationally in scoring.

Michigan hockey coach Mel Pearson kept his postgame message to his team on Sunday very brief. 10 UMass 4-2 at Yost Ice Arena to open the second half of their season with a two-game sweep over the defending national champion. 2 overall pick, and Johnson, the 2021 fifth-overall pick, tallying the assists. 1 overall pick Owen Power, defenseman Luke Hughes (No. 19 overall), Pearson said he felt a different buzz with the Wolverines heading into this weekend’s top-10 showdown.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan’s hockey team tied a program record this year with five players competing at the World Junior Championship, an annual showcase of national under-20 hockey teams from around the world. 6 Michigan hockey past defending national champsWith the NHL opting out of participating in the 2022 Beijing Olympics that begin next month, countries will have to look elsewhere to fill their rosters, including NCAA teams. With a rich talent pool in Ann Arbor this year, Olympic teams could be enticed by a handful of Wolverines. More Michigan players could receive invites as the process unfolds. Johnson, who leads the team with 26 points, is on a long list of candidates for Canada, according to The Athletic.

Johnson, who competed for Team Canada at the WJC, scored on a feed from Brisson on a three-on-one to give No. With 3:12 remaining, the line capitalized on another odd-man rush, this time with Brisson finishing a pass from Beniers, a member of Team USA. “They’re three of the top players in the leaguem and they definitely showed it tonight,” Michigan freshman defenseman Ethan Edwards said. Just 75 seconds in, Johnson set up Brisson, who rifled a one-timer from the slot past UMass goalie Matt Murray. Johnson, Brisson and Beniers are the team’s three leading scorers with 26, 25 and 24 points, respectively.

A post-holiday tradition begins a new chapter on Sunday, as the best under-20 players from around the globe return to Alberta to compete the annual IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. Watch the World Junior Championships on FuboTV (7-day free trial)GROUP AFINLAND vs. GERMANYFinland is looking to build off its bronze medal win in the tournament last year, and come into this year’s tournament with lots of excellent talent. While there is some returners from last year’s team, this year’s group features top prospects such as the latest no. Watch the World Junior Championships on FuboTV (7-day free trial)GROUP BRUSSIA vs. SWEDENTwo countries who have been competitive throughout the tournament’s history, but have been unable to win the big one in recent memory, open Group B action. Defenseman Simon Nemec impressed in his first stint at the WJC last year, putting up four points as a 16-year-old.

ANN ARBOR – The Michigan hockey team’s struggles on home ice against Notre Dame continued Friday night. The loss also is Michigan’s sixth straight against Notre Dame at Yost Ice Arena. 14 Notre Dame (9-3, 3-2 Big Ten) stormed right back, scoring less than a minute later. In three-on-three overtime, Notre Dame capitalized on a power play after forward Garrett Van Wyhe was assessed a five-minute major penalty for hitting from behind. Ryder Rolston blasted a one-time past Portillo to give Notre Dame its fifth straight win.

Forwards Matty Beniers and Kent Johnson and defenseman Owen Power and Luke Hughes – all top-five picks in the 2021 NHL draft – each recorded at least three points Friday in a 6-2 win over Penn State in State College. 1 overall, is now fifth with 18 points after he had a goal and two assists Friday. Hughes, drafted fifth by the New Jersey Devils, scored two goals Friday, with his first giving Michigan a 2-1 lead at the 2:44 mark of the second period. He also assisted on Thomas Bordeleau’s goal late in the second period that extended the lead to 4-1. The Wolverines, who lead the nation in scoring, have won six of their past seven and have a three-point cushion in the Big Ten.

19 Penn State 5-2 on Thursday in State College to improve 9-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play, moving ahead of Minnesota for first place. 2 overall pick in July by the Seattle Kraken, remains red-hot, scoring twice on the power play. He has six goals on his past three games and now leads the team with eight this season. Michigan, the only college team ever with seven first-round picks on its roster, leads the nation with 46 goals this season. The two teams conclude the two-game series at 7 p.m. Friday in State College.

ANN ARBOR – About half of Michigan’s hockey team was at Spartan Stadium last Saturday and witnessed one of the most memorable football games ever between the two in-state rivals. Michigan’s 37-33 loss might not have any bearing on the hockey team’s season, but the players were acutely aware of how the top-10 showdown captivated both teams’ fervid fanbases. On Friday, the Wolverines and Spartans met for the first time this season – just six days after MSU rallied to beat Michigan on the football field. “I mean, just the talk before the football game and talk after the football game and how passionate people are about it, it brings attention to the rivalry, and we’ve got a healthy hockey rivalry, too. “We have to clean some things up, but overall, anytime you beat Michigan State is a good feeling.”

Michigan’s hockey team made history in July with four players drafted in the first five picks of the NHL draft. All four showed why they were high draft picks Friday, combining for 10 points in a 7-2 win over Michigan State at Yost Ice Arena. Hughes also had an assist, while sophomore defenseman Owen Power, the top pick by the Buffalo Sabres added two assists. Then just over seven minutes later, Johnson set Beniers up with a one-timer for a five-on-three power-play goal. Sophomore Brendan Brisson, a 2020 first-round pick of the Golden Knights, and Hughes scored less than two minutes apart to give Michigan a 4-1 lead heading into the third.

Michigan forward Brendan Brisson was named the Big Ten’s first star of the week for recording four points in the team’s season-opening two-game sweep over Lake Superior State. 5 Minnesota Duluth at the Ice Breaker Tournament in Duluth, including a highlight-reel goal in the second period that proved to be the game-winner. Brisson’s goal was one of five straight for the Wolverines (3-0), who fell behind 1-0 midway through the first period. We get some opportunities, and we are going to score.”Brisson’s two points ties sophomore defenseman Owen Power, the No. Meanwhile, freshman defenseman Luke Hughes’ first career goal tied the game at one in the first period.

No college hockey program has ever assembled a team like Michigan’s this season. 3 nationally given the talent on the team, but the Wolverines also understand there is a lot to prove this season. A convoy of NHL scouts will be tracking every game Michigan plays this season with the national spotlight shining brightly in Ann Arbor. That includes three of the first five picks in July’s NHL draft: defenseman Owen Power (No. 2 seed in the 2021 NCAA Tournament but were forced to withdraw before their first game because of COVID-19 protocols.

The talented University of Michigan forward was a part of history when the Seattle Kraken selected him second overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. Michigan forward Kent Johnson was taken by the Columbus Blue Jackets with the No. With Johnson off the board, Michigan became the first program with three current players taken in the first round of a single draft. To have so many first-round draft picks on one team, I mean I don’t even know if there would be something comparable in junior hockey. However, Power said they didn’t discuss the draft much amongst each other until Friday morning when they talked over FaceTime.

The Wolverines are the first NCAA program to have five players/recruits selected in the first round of one draft as the Florida Panthers picked incoming freshman forward Mackie Samoskevich at No. Michigan also became the first college team to produce the first two picks of the draft as defenseman Owen Power went No. 1 to the Buffalo Sabres and forward Matty Beniers was taken by the Seattle Kraken with the second pick. Samoskevich will join a loaded Michigan team this fall that could feature seven first-round picks on the roster. We feel he has a very bright future with the ability to be an elite player here at Michigan.”

Michigan’s hockey program continues to make waves at the 2021 NHL Draft. With the Columbus Blue Jackets selecting forward Kent Johnson with the No. 5 overall pick on Friday night, the Wolverines become the first NCAA program to have three current players taken in the first round of a single draft. Two more incoming freshmen, forwards Mackie Samoskevich and Dylan Duke, are expected to be early-round picks. If either are selected in the first round, the Wolverines would become the first school with five players/recruits taken in the first round of one draft.

Michigan’s hockey program has produced the top two picks in the 2021 NHL Draft. 1 overall on Friday night, the Seattle Kraken, an expansion team that will make its debut this season, drafted forward Matty Beniers with the second pick. The last time a college or junior team represented the top two picks in an NHL draft was the 1969 Montreal Junior Canadiens. “Matty Beniers is probably the best all-around center in this draft,” Chris Peters, editor of Hockey Sense on Substack and former NHL draft and prospects analyst for ESPN told MLive last week. RELATED: Michigan’s hockey program about to make history during 2021 NHL Draft

“In some cases, you’re talking about players who didn’t play this year,” Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said. But ultimately I would guess this draft class moving forward is the most unpredictable of generally a very unpredictable process.”The Red Wings have two picks in the first round Friday, Nos. The Red Wings need more forwards with scoring potential in their system, as well as a high-end young goaltender. The Red Wings likely will have the opportunity to draft their potential goaltender of the future in Jesper Wallstedt (Lulea, Sweden). “It’s going to be an interesting day tomorrow, an interesting weekend.”More: Predicting the top 10 picks in the draft

They would become the highest draft picks in Michigan history, moving ahead of defenseman Jack Johnson, who went No. “I think unprecedented is the right word for it,” said Chris Peters, editor of Hockey Sense on Substack and former NHL draft and prospects analyst for ESPN. “Matty Beniers is probably the best all-around center in this draft,” Peters said. To have so many first-round draft picks on one team, I mean I don’t even know if there would be something comparable in junior hockey. Peters said college players should be well-represented in this year’s draft, partly because they played more games than most prospects playing junior hockey.

Matty Beniers experienced at eventful freshman year at Michigan, despite being denied an opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament. 2 to the expansion Seattle Kraken or be available to the Detroit Red Wings at No. “I think I’m pretty close (to the NHL),” Beniers said. “Going over there was great, playing with a bunch of pros, being around them on and off the ice,” Beniers said. I want to get bigger, stronger.”More:Red Wings might have shot at latest Hughes brotherWill this big defenseman be available to Red Wings?

As NHL draft nears, top prospects ponder turning pro or returning to MichiganOwen Power and Matty Beniers were instrumental in helping Michigan’s hockey team earn a No. The Wolverines should have a strong returning core if Power, Beniers and Johnson all come back. “I saw some of the football players at Michigan kind of jumping into that,” Beniers said. “If I’m ready hockey-wise and if I’m ready mentally as a person -- it’s a big step,” Beniers said of turning pro. I’d love to be in college, kind of have a college life, especially after last year, we didn’t really get the full college experience.

Michigan’s hockey program has had 10 players selected in the topo 10 of the NHL draft in its history. The NHL Central Scouting Bureau released its final rankings of North American skaters for the 2021 draft, and three Wolverines are in the top six. Defenseman Jack Johnson is currently the highest draft pick in program history, going No. The Detroit Red Wings likely will have a shot at drafting at least one of the Michigan players. The NHL Draft Lottery is Wednesday, and the Wings have a 7.6% chance at landing the No.

During Michigan’s first two-game series against Minnesota this season, the Wolverines were missing five of their top players to the World Junior Championship. While Michigan is out of the Big Ten regular season title race, head coach Mel Pearson believes Friday’s win should be enough to get his team in the NCAA Tournament. 3 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, and Minnesota, which still has a shot at finishing first, close the regular season Saturday. This is a big win against Minnesota. Bordeleau (26 points), Johnson (23 points), Beniers (19 points) and Brisson (18 points) – all freshmen – are the team’s top four leading scorers.

The eighth-ranked Wolverines erupted for four goals in the second period to propel them to a 5-1 victory over No. Michigan entered Saturday on a four-game win streak but hadn’t played since Jan. 22. It didn’t take long for the Wolverines to find their game in the second period. Hope you weren't taking a nap during that second period. They also entered Saturday on a four-game win streak, outscoring Michigan State and Minnesota a combined 22-3 during that stretch.

The Michigan hockey team’s offense entered Thursday’s game against Notre Dame red-hot, scoring 20 goals in its previous four games. The Wolverines’ torrid scoring pace continued against the Irish, scoring the first five goals in a 5-1 victory in South Bend, Indiana. Erik Portillo, a 2019 third-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres, made 29 saves for his second win in his second career start. Johnson leads the team with 18 points, followed by Bordeleau with 16 and Beniers with 13. The win also moves the Wolverines into third place in the Big Ten – two points ahead of the Irish (7-7-1, 5-5-1-0-1-1).

Michigan freshmen Matty Beniers and Kent Johnson went a month without any practice time together over winter break. When the Wolverines retuned to the ice Friday against Michigan State, Beniers, Johnson and fellow linemate Jack Becker didn’t miss a beat. RELATED: Refueled Michigan hockey starts 2nd half of season with 9-goal outburstMichigan (6-6, 4-6-0-1 Big Ten) already has eight draft picks on its roster and is expected to have several more selected in 2021. Power, Beniers and Johnson all have played at least 10 games for Michigan this season, but other top prospects in the draft have yet to begin play. “I think he’s just a player that sees the ice really well and has a lot of skill.