Schlossman: Analytics show where UND's defensive issues stand

Nov. 3—GRAND FORKS — Here's a stat that might surprise you, considering UND has allowed 15 goals in the last three games.UND ranks No. 1 in the country in preventing opponents from possessing the puck in the offensive zone.UND's opponents have possessed the puck for 30.1% of games so far in the offensive zone. The Fighting Hawks, meanwhile, have spent 45.7% of games in their opponents' end.In fact, all of UND's possession numbers are quite good.The Fighting Hawks rank third nationally in offensive-zone puck possession, fourth in Corsi (shot attempt differential) and fifth in Fenwick (unblocked shot attempt differential).Despite these numbers, UND ranks 31st in the country in goals allowed per game at 2.9.If UND's opponents aren't possessing the puck much in the offensive zone but are scoring at high rates, it points to a major issue — the Fighting Hawks are giving up way too much in transition.Minnesota repeatedly converted UND turnovers into odd-man rushes and goals two weeks ago in Minneapolis.While UND wasn't nearly as porous against Michigan State in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game, the Fighting Hawks still made errors — and it seems like they're all ending up in the back of the net right now.UND has a team save percentage of .876, which ranks 53rd of 63 NCAA teams. But the goaltenders' advanced numbers aren't nearly as bad.Jan Špunar is at -0.13 saves above expectation. Caleb Heil is at +0.5. Those numbers regressed the last two weekends. Špunar was at -2.02 in two games vs. Minnesota. Heil was at -1.16 vs. Michigan State.But the bottom line is that if UND limits opponent chances off the rush, the goals-against statistic could turn around. That's an easier issue to correct than if UND was getting hemmed in the defensive zone for long periods of time.UND may have its biggest defensive challenge of the year this weekend.Western Michigan, the No. 1 scoring team in the country, will play in Ralph Engelstad Arena at 7:07 p.m. Friday and 6:07 p.m. Saturday.The Broncos are averaging 5.7 goals per game. Eight Western Michigan players are averaging at least a point per game. One player, William Whitelaw, is averaging two points per game. Joona Väisänen ranks first nationally among defensemen in points per game.The Broncos have ranked in the top 10 nationally in offense in every year under head coach Pat Ferschweiler, who is in his sixth season.UND's offense has been carried by a potent power play and could increase 5-on-5 production. But the Fighting Hawks are also the only team outside the Ivy League (which began play last weekend) to score at least three goals in every game.And you should win a large percentage of games when you score three goals.Grand Forks Central and UND forward Judd Caulfield has been lighting it up for the Anaheim Ducks. Caulfield had two goals and three points Saturday night for Anaheim in a win over Ottawa. Caulfield has four goals and eight points in 12 games for the Ducks. He's third on the team in goals.Former UND defenseman Jake Livanavage has been called up to the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins. Livanavage had eight points in nine games to start the season with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Livanavage played one NHL game with Pittsburgh last spring.Former UND defenseman Jake Sanderson was injured in the first period of the season opener for the Ottawa Senators and missed a little more than two weeks. He's been red hot since returning to the lineup, tallying 10 points in seven games.Former UND forward Rastislav Spirko signed with HC Opava in Czechia last weekend. Spirko, 42, is playing in his 21st professional season. He is the oldest former UND player currently playing pro.UConn added Grand Forks Red River's Carter Sproule to the roster at midseason last year. Sproule didn't get into a single game in the second half, but he's already making an impact this season. Sproule has two goals and three points in eight games for the No. 20-ranked Huskies.Wisconsin, the new No. 1-ranked team in the country, is off to a 6-0 start. The Badgers have not trailed yet this season. They outscored Notre Dame 16-2 last weekend.Army cracked the national poll for the first time in six seasons. Army is ranked No. 19 in this week's USCHO poll.Notre Dame has lost six straight and is now dealing with three suspensions. Forward David Klee (fighting) and defenseman Leo Gruba (slewfooting) have been suspended for two games for their actions during Saturday's 9-1 loss to Wisconsin. Forward Jaedon Kerr (cross-checking) has been suspended for one game. Notre Dame plays Penn State this weekend.St. Thomas coach Rico Blasi returned to Oxford, Ohio, this weekend to take on Miami University, where he spent 20 seasons as head coach and took the program to its only two Frozen Fours. Miami fans gave Blasi a standing ovation. The Tommies, a first-year NCHC program, earned their first NCHC win Saturday.