Michigan left wing Jeff Tambellini played so well against MSU two weeks ago that, when asked to describe the dynamic freshman, Spartan head coach Rick Comley said he didn't have a big enough adjective to do the job.
One suggestion would be "dominating," considering Tambellini scored four of U-M's six goals against the Spartans that weekend. He also leads the eighth-ranked Wolverines in goals (24) and points (34) this year.
Another possibility would be "respected," because less than a season into his collegiate career, several opponents already say Tambellini is as good as anyone in the CCHA.
"Proficient," "skillful" and "promising" are also fitting ways to describe the 5-foot-11, 183-pound spark plug.
However, "selective" probably doesn't work. After all, the rookie from Port Moody, British Columbia, has taken 69 more shots than the next closest Wolverine this season. Tambellini has fired the puck at the net 140 times, while second-place Brandon Kaleniecki has 71 shots.
But given Tambellini's goal-scoring track record - he's tied for fifth nationally - U-M head coach Red Berenson doesn't worry about the inflated shot total. The coach even compared Tambellini to Brett Hull after the rookie's two-goal performance in U-M's 3-1 win over MSU on Valentine's Day.
So when the teams meet again this weekend - Friday in Ann Arbor and Saturday in Detroit - how does MSU stop Tambellini?
"We just have to be aware of when he's on the ice, not give him any space, try to get in his face as much as possible," MSU senior defenseman Brad Fast said. "Just the same as any top player."
MSU sophomore goaltender Matt Migliaccio said he watched video on Tambellini and thought he had a tendency to shoot stick-side on goalies.
But that was before Tambellini beat Migliaccio a couple times glove-side two weeks ago.
"I can't focus on that. I can't just guess and hope he's going stick-side," Migliaccio said. "I just gotta play him and do my best.
"He's a natural goal scorer. Hopefully, he doesn't get too much off me."
Some of Tambellini's offensive aptitude can probably be traced to his bloodlines. He is the son of former 10-year NHL journeyman Steve Tambellini, who is now the vice president of player personnel for the Vancouver Canucks.
The younger Tambellini played junior hockey for the Chilliwack Chiefs in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League. The Chiefs are coached by former Spartan forward Harvey Smyl, and MSU heavily recruited Tambellini to come to East Lansing.
But he chose to be a Spartan nightmare instead.
"I'd love to see (Zach) Parise and him match up, because they are two very dynamic players who can play all aspects of the game," Comley said, referring to North Dakota's star freshman forward. "Tambellini is a very active guy, he shoots from everywhere, he comes across the ice constantly. I think now that you've played against him, you know what he's going to do, but he's a lot of fun to watch."
Centering Tambellini's line for the Wolverines is John Shouneyia, a creative play-maker who leads U-M with 21 assists. Shouneyia's deft passes are often what set up Tambellini to do his favorite thing - shoot the puck. That makes the duo exceptionally dangerous.
"(Shouneyia) doesn't shoot that often, so you know he's going to be dishing to, chances are, Tambellini," Migliaccio said. "It's a tough situation, because Shouneyia might surprise you with a good shot. He's smart.
"We always have to be aware when those two are on the ice."
