Frank Nazar and Michigan Win Big 10 Blackhawks Battle Over Minnesota

It’s Hail to the Victors for the second straight season when it comes  to a Big Ten Battle between Michigan and Minnesota in the Big Ten Tournament. Frank Nazar and the Wolverines beat Sam Rinzel and Oliver Moore of the Golden Gophers 2-1 on Saturday. While none of the Blackhawks prospects were on the scoresheet, it was Nazar who stood out amongst the three prospects. Nazar’s best chance came late where he broke in alone, but the puck rolled off his stick. Regardless, he nearly put the rolling puck in, but it went just wide on the try.

Nazar was a consistent threat for the Wolverines where he forechecked relentlessly and had a couple big plays late where he calmly fished the puck out of the zone to seal off the Wolverines win. Following the lone Gophers goal, he rushed down the ice and nearly got it back with a spin-o-rama that went wide. All night long, Nazar was a major factor and showed why at least in CHN’s analysis, he’s the top prospect in the Blackhawks pipeline.

Closer Look on Frank Nazar, Sam Rinzel, and Oliver Moore In Big Game

Minnesota was bottled up by a stingy Michigan game plan that clogged the neutral zone and kept the speedy and skilled Gophers frustrated and shutout for all but just over a minute of the game. Moore tried several times to burst through Michigan with his speed, but it didn’t hold up. College hockey can have talent take over, similar to juniors–something that won’t hold up in the NHL. Moore sometimes tried to do too much on his own and it often led to a turnover or the rush stopping before it could start. The Wolverines game plan worked to a tee, but Moore factored into the Gophers only goal, screening Wolverines goalie on a Jimmy Snuggerud but it was too little too late.

Rinzel had a strong physical game and also showcased the speed he had, several times carrying the puck on his own into the zone to try and get something going. Rinzel’s frame and speed will certainly be an asset down the road for the Blackhawks.

He also had a late shot blocked and Minnesota nearly tied it as the puck was corralled but whistled wide.

But the night belonged to Nazar and the Wolverines, who will now face Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament title game next Saturday.

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