Eight Michigan Hockey Alums Set for Stanley Cup Playoffs
4/13/2016 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
April 13, 2016
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan ice hockey team was represented by 21 alumni in the NHL during the 2015-16 season. The Wolverines had the second-highest amount of alumni in the NHL, trailing only Boston College (23). Eight former Michigan players are on NHL rosters heading into the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs -- Andrew Cogliano (Anaheim Ducks), Luke Glendening (Detroit Red Wings), Carl Hagelin (Pittsburgh Penguins), Steve Kampfer (Florida Panthers), Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings), Al Montoya (Florida Panthers), Eric Nystrom (Nashville Predators) and Kevin Porter (Pittsburgh Penguins).
Anaheim Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano played in all 82 games once again this season, recording 32 points (9G, 23A), with a plus-2 rating to help the Ducks surge into the playoffs during the second half of the season. Cogliano has never missed an NHL game in his nine-year career and holds the longest active games played streak in the league at 704. Anaheim won the Pacific Division and will play Nashville in a Western Conference Quarterfinal series.
Detroit Red Wings forward Luke Glendening had another standout season with the hometown Detroit Red Wings and was joined in 2015-16 by rookie phenom Dylan Larkin, an NHL All-Star in his first year as a professional. Together, they helped the Wings extend their storied playoff streak to 25 seasons. Glendening played in 81 games this season with the Wings, notching a career-best 21 points (8G, 13A) and a plus-4 rating. Larkin led the Red Wings in goal scoring and was third in points, notching 45 (23 goals, 22 assists) in his rookie season. He is one of several top candidates for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top first-year player. The Red Wings finished third in the Atlantic Division and will take on Tampa Bay in an Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Carl Hagelin is playing some the best hockey of his NHL career after a midseason trade sent him from the Anaheim Ducks to Pittsburgh. Hagelin appeared in 80 games this season (43 with Anaheim, 37 with Pittsburgh), notching a career-high 39 points (14 goals, 25 assists) with a plus-8 rating. Hagelin has been on a tear during his time in Pittsburgh, notching 27 points in 37 games, skating on a line with Phil Kessel. Hagelin's former Michigan teammate Kevin Porter will not be available after suffering a late-season ankle injury. Porter carved out a role with the Penguins, playing in 41 games with three assists. Pittsburgh will take on the New York Rangers in an Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.
Florida Panthers defenseman Steve Kampfer and goaltender Al Montoya were part of the Panthers' resurgence this season, helping the franchise return to the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2012 by virtue of winning the Atlantic Division. Both Kampfer and Montoya would be playing in their first postseason games, like many on the Panthers' current roster. Kampfer played in a career-high 47 games for Florida, notching four assists with a plus-5 rating. Montoya, serving as a backup to Roberto Luongo, had one of his best NHL campaigns, finishing the year with a 12-7-2 record, 2.18 goals-against average and .919 save percentage in 25 games. Florida will take on the New York Islanders in an Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series.
Nashville Predators forward Eric Nystrom returns to the postseason with the Predators, who clinched a wild card spot several weeks ago. Nystrom, who was not part of Nashville's playoff run last season due to injury, could see his first postseason action in seven years. The 11-year NHL veteran played in 46 games, recording seven points (7G). The Predators will take on Anaheim in a Western Conference Quarterfinal series.
NHL playoff action begins tonight (Wednesday, April 13) with three series beginning (Detroit/Tampa Bay, NY Rangers/Pittsburgh, Chicago/St. Louis).
Communications Contact: Jeffrey Weinstein
