Freshman right-winger Chris Brown, pictured here showing his strength during Michigan's exhibition opener, has quickly emerged as an offensive threat for the Wolverines. Brown had two goals and an assist in Michigan's 6-2 win over Alaska-Anchorage, and his line combined for eight points. (Mark Bialek for AnnArbor.com)

Michigan hockey coach Red Berenson doesn’t want to attach an order to his lineup just yet, but one group of players is emerging as the Wolverines’ top offensive threat - and it’s not the line you’d expect.

Left-winger Carl Hagelin, center Matt Rust and right-winger Chris Brown started the season - at least on paper - as Michigan’s second line. But the trio combined for eight points in Michigan’s 6-2 win over Alaska-Anchorage on Saturday, and had several scoring opportunities in Michigan’s 2-0 season-opening loss to Alaska last Friday.

“I don’t want to call anybody a second line,” Berenson said. “Right now, I have a hard time putting numbers on lines. But the Rust line … they were our best line all weekend. They were our most dangerous line, even though they didn’t score Friday, and they were our most productive line Saturday.”

Brown on Saturday led Michigan with two goals and an assist; Rust had one goal and two assists; and Hagelin had one goal and one assist.

“We really had a strong weekend,” Brown said. “Rust and Hagelin, they just make it so easy. They’re very knowledgeable and skilled players, so coming to that line, they make me feel comfortable.”

Brown, a freshman, took almost no time in gelling with his new line mates, who have been playing together for two years.

“I think he’s improving every day,” Hagelin said. “He’s a good player, strong, and perfect for me to play with. He gives me more room to skate and be creative.”

It’s not a surprise, Rust said, adding that when players complement one another on a line, the results show almost immediately.

“We have been practicing for a couple weeks now. It really doesn’t take long,” Rust said. “Our chemistry is there. Brown came in and fit well with the line.”

Michigan, which is enjoying a week off after a long trip to Alaska, has gotten just one goal in two games from what had been penciled in as the team’s top line of forwards - David Wohlberg, Louie Caporusso and Ben Winnett.

That’s an early surprise, since those players combined for 90 points last year, but Berenson said he’ll give them time to get in a groove.

“I can’t tell you that line is even close to playing where they need to play,” Berenson said. “Whoever plays on that line really has to produce. I don’t know that that line is gonna be in stone, but I’m gonna give them a good chance and a good look to see if they can make it happen.”

Berenson remains hopeful he won’t have to make any changes.

“I think the whole line really has to step up, and I think they will,” he said.

James Briggs covers sports for AnnArbor.com. Contact him at 734.623.2557 or jamesbriggs@annarbor.com.