OWEN POWER

Kyle Okposo scored three times, Casey Mittelstadt had two goals and the Buffalo Sabres beat the Detroit Red Wings 6-3 for their fifth straight victory.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Kyle Okposo scored three times, Casey Mittelstadt had two goals and the Buffalo Sabres beat the Detroit Red Wings 6-3 on Thursday night for their fifth straight victory. Jeff Skinner also scored for Buffalo, and Owen Power, Zemgus Girgensons and JJ Peterka each had two assists. Dominik Kubalik scored two goals for Detroit, which lost for the seventh time in nine games. The Red Wings fell behind 5-0 after two periods before scoring three unanswered goals in the third to cut their deficit to 5-3. He tapped the puck past Hellberg after a slap shot from Peterka went off the skate of Red Wings defenseman Jake Walman and right to Mittelstadt.

Puck and player tracking in the NHL has taken major leaps since it was first tested in January 2019.

Five players made their NHL debut Tuesday night, fresh off their college season ending.

The top pick in the 2021 NHL Draft is turning pro after two seasons with the Michigan hockey team. The Buffalo Sabres announced it has signed defenseman Owen Power to a three-year, entry-level deal on Friday, less than 24 hours after the Wolverines were bounced in a national semifinal with a 3-2 overtime loss against Denver. After registering three goals and 13 assists in 26 games as a freshman, Power became the first Michigan player to go No. The left-handed shooting defenseman played in all situations for the Wolverines and was instrumental in helping the team earn the No. Power will join a Buffalo team that has 12 games remaining in the regular season.

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.

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

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

No National Hockey League participation and a COVID-halted World Juniors have lent a mix of desperation and release to men's hockey at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

2 in both the U.S. College Hockey Online and USA Today rankings, released Monday. They received eight of 50 first-places votes in the USCHO poll and five of 34 in the USA Today poll. Despite missing its four top scorers against Michigan State last weekend, Michigan remained red-hot with 6-2 and 7-3 victories. 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

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

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

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.

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.

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’s hockey team opened Big Ten play with a 3-0 victory over Wisconsin on Thursday at Yost Ice Arena. Johnson, the fifth overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets in July, also set up defenseman Nick Blankenburg in front for Michigan’s second goal late in the second period. 1 overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres, added some insurance with his second goal of the season 3:26 into the third period. “Every point is huge in the Big Ten,” head coach Mel Pearson said. Good way to start the Big Ten season off.”The Wolverines, who were predicted to finish second in the Big Ten this season by conference coaches, host the Badgers (2-5) again at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Michigan’s hockey team had a scorching start offensively to begin the 2021-22 season, and two first-round picks led the way. 29 overall pick by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2020, had a goal and two assists in Friday’s 6-1 victory before adding two goals in Saturday’s 7-4 win. 1 overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres in July, had a team-high four points in the team’s opener and added an assist on Saturday. 5 Minnesota Duluth on Friday and will face the winner of No. Michigan was slated to face Duluth in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last season, but it was forced to withdraw because of COVID-19 protocols hours before the game.

1 overall draft pick Owen Power returned to Michigan for his sophomore season to continue his development and have a true college experience. 1 in an NHL draft, recorded one goal and three assists, while four other Michigan first-round picks had at least one point. Defenseman Luke Hughes, the fourth-overall pick by the New Jersey Devils in this year’s draft, and forward Mark Estapa each recorded an assist. Michigan goalie Erik Portillo, a third-round pick of the Sabres, took a shutout into the third period before LSSU scored on the power play at the 1:30 mark. RELATED: Sabres draft pick Erik Portillo has big shoes to fill as Michigan’s starting goalieThe two teams are scheduled to wrap up the two-game series at 7 p.m. Saturday at Yost.

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.

1 overall pick by the Buffalo Sabres in July’s NHL draft, is returning to Michigan for his sophomore season, according to multiple reports. “The opportunity to win at Michigan and get a true college experience, that’s something that’s going to factor in,” Power said. 1 pick in Michigan hockey history, had a strong freshman season but not a dominant one. They set an NHL draft record in July with three current players selected in the first round, with forwards Matty Beniers and Kent Johnson also going in the first five picks. 1 pick in NHL draftWith his size, skating and puck-moving ability, Power was the consensus No.

Just an all-around good player that we really think is going to continue to get better and better. 1 pick in Michigan hockey history, kicked off an unprecedented first round of draft for the Wolverines’ program. Three freshmen from last season – Power, forward Matty Beniers and forward Kent Johnson – went in the first five picks. Adams believes Power could play in the NHL this fall but said the goal is to decide what is best for his long-term development. I just know as a former player, when you’re going every day against the top players in practice, you get better.”

The Red Wings traded up to the 15th overall pick to select Cossa by sending three picks to the Dallas Stars -- the 23rd overall pick, a 2nd-round pick (48th overall) and a 5th-round pick (138th overall) in this year’s draft.

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.”

The Detroit Red Wings have selected defenseman Simon Edvinsson at 6th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft on Friday night.

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.

Here are the 2021 NHL Draft 1st-round selections.

The Buffalo Sabres have selected University of Michigan defenseman Owen Power at 1st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.

University of Michigan dominates start of NHL draft with defenseman Owen Power and forward Matthew Beniers becoming the first teammates selected first and second overall since 1969.

Owen Power is the first University of Michigan player to go first overall in the NHL draft. The 6-foot-5 defenseman from Ontario was taken by the Buffalo Sabres to kick off the 2021 virtual draft on Friday night. He continued to improve his draft stock with a strong showing at the World Championships this spring, helping Canada win a gold medal. Earlier this month, Power said he is leaning toward returning to the Wolverines for his sophomore season. RELATED: Michigan’s hockey program about to make history during 2021 NHL DraftPower is just the sixth Michigan student-athletes to go No.

The Detroit Red Wings select sixth and also own the No. The Red Wings need more offensively skilled forwarded in their system. The Red Wings have eight picks on Saturday during Rounds 2 through 7. Detroit Red Wings (from Washington)24. NHL Entry Draft first roundWhen: 8 p.m. tonightTV: ESPN2Live stream: ESPN app, ESPN.com/watchMore: Steve Yzerman anticipating ‘unpredictable’ draft

The 6th overall pick may not be the player anyone has high on their draft prospects lists.

Nedeljkovic, 25, was a Calder Trophy finalist this past season with 15 wins in 23 games (15-3-1) and a .932 save percentage.

The Buffalo Sabres have the first pick in an NHL draft on Friday night.

The Detroit Red Wings have the No. The Red Wings also need a goaltender with high-end potential, which they lack in their system. This is the third time in four years the Red Wings select sixth and their fifth consecutive year with a top-10 pick. The Red Wings have nine more selections on Saturday, including two each in the second, third, fourth and fifth rounds. Red Wings might be intrigued by Kent Johnson’s skillsTiming could be right for Red Wings to take goalie with top pickDylan Guenther would upgrade skill level in organizationWilliam Eklund would bring speed, energy to Red WingsTwo-way center from Michigan could appeal to Red WingsRed Wings might have shot at latest Hughes brotherWill this big defenseman be available to Red Wings?

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.

The NHL’s top-ranked draft prospect, defenseman Owen Power, says he is leaning toward playing his sophomore season at Michigan next year rather than turning pro.

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.

Last season, Michigan’s hockey signed one of the most highly touted freshman classes ever. The class featured two players – Brendan Brisson and Thomas Bordeleau -- who were selected in the first 38 picks of the 2020 NHL draft, and three more – Owen Power, Kent Johnson and Matty Beniers – who are all projected top-10 picks in next month’s draft. The five-player class is headlined by defenseman Luke Hughes, another projected top-10 pick in the 2021 draft. The brother of current NHLers and former top-10 picks Quinn and Jack Hughes, Luke led all U.S. National Team Development Program defenseman with 34 points in 38 games. 19 by EliteProspects.com after totaling 13 goals and 24 assists in 36 games last season for the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League.

Michigan’s hockey team could have the No. Defenseman Owen Power, who is projected to be the top pick in next month’s NHL draft, said he is strongly considering returning to the Wolverines for his sophomore season. “I think right now I’m probably leaning more toward going back to school,” the 18-year-old told “NHL Now” on Friday. “Power is an excellent package of NHL size, skating and attributes which he utilizes effectively in all situations,” NHL Director of Central Scouting Dan Marr said in a release last month. RELATED: NHL draft rankings: Three Michigan players among top 6 North American skatersThe Buffalo Sabres own the No.

Even if he drops, it is safe to assume he won’t be around for the Detroit Red Wings at No. “I’ve seen most of the kids that we think are in the top 10 and you’re going to get a pretty good prospect,” Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman said Wednesday after the draft lottery. This is the fourth year in a row the Red Wings will have a top-six selection. “Our intention will be to take the best prospect we think is available.”Here is a look at some players who might be available for the Red Wings at No. Goalies rarely are drafted in the top 10, but the Red Wings need an elite prospect at this position.

The 2021 NHL Draft Lottery will be held on Wednesday, June 2, at the NHL Network studio in Secaucus, NJ.

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.

Detroit Red Wings have 7.6% odds in the lottery to earn the first pick in the 2021 NHL draft

BREAKING: Michigan’s hockey team was forced to withdraw from the NCAA Tournament because of positive COVID-19 tests within the program. *****Michigan’s hockey team opens the NCAA Tournament against the two-time defending national champions. The game will air on ESPNU, and fans also will be able to stream it with fuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, Hulu (free trial) and YouTube TV. Who: NCAA Tournament first round: Michigan vs. DuluthTV: ESPNUDay/Time: Friday, March 26, 4 p.m. ETLIVE STREAM: fuboTV (7-day free trial) | Sling | Hulu | YouTube TV

Michigan’s hockey team won’t find out if it is in the NCAA Tournament until Sunday, but it is preparing as if it is in the 16-team field. However, the NCAA will be using a different selection process this year because of unique circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I feel good about the resume that we put forward to get in the tournament,” Michigan fourth-year head coach Mel Pearson said after Monday’s loss. On Thursday, USCHO.com bracketologists Jim Connelly and Jason Moy each included Michigan in their 12 “locks” to make the tournament. Four conference champions still need to be crowned, and there is a chance four teams outside of the NCAA Tournament picture could earn those automatic bids.

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).

Freshmen shine in Michigan hockey’s season-opening 8-1 win vs. Arizona StateIt didn’t take long for Michigan’s freshman class to get acclimated to the collegiate level. The Wolverines' rookies combined for 11 points in the team’s 8-1 season-opening win over No. Forward Matty Beniers opened the scoring midway through the first and later extended the lead to 7-0 at the 6:59 mark of the third. Sophomore forward Johnny Beecher and sophomore Cam York – both 2019 first-round picks – each scored, while junior defenseman Nick Blakenburg had a goal and an assist. York makes it 5-0 with an assist from Power #GoBlue〽️ pic.twitter.com/vqTHzcNEMg — Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) November 14, 2020Junior Strauss Mann, last year’s Big Ten Goalie of the Year, was 2 minutes, 26 seconds away from recording his seventh career shutout.

Michigan’s hockey program has signed highly touted recruiting classes in the past, but few have generated as much buzz as this year’s group. “Every freshman has proved to our staff they should play,” fourth-year head coach Pearson said Monday in a video call with media. They’ve looked real good as a group.”RELATED: Three University of Michigan players selected in 2020 NHL DraftThat talented group joins a Michigan team that is No. 12 in the U.S. College Hockey Online preseason poll and was predicted to finish second in the Big Ten by the conference’s coaches. The Wolverines began practicing in early September and will get their first chance to validate the preseason hype when they open the season Saturday against No.

Brendan Brisson became the 25th player in University of Michigan hockey history to be selected in the first round of the NHL draft. The Vegas Golden Knights selected the 6-foot freshman center with the 29th overall overall pick on Tuesday night. I can play-make as good as anybody and I’m in the fight, I’m in the battle.”With the 29th pick in the 1st round of the NHL Draft - THE VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS select BRENDAN BRISSON!!! Brisson becomes Michigan’s fifth first-round draft pick in the past four years and the eighth since 2014. RELATED: Passion for game still burns inside Michigan hockey legend Red Berenson