Michigan hockey coach Red Berenson wasn’t sure what to expect when he shuffled his lineup last weekend and paired forwards Carl Hagelin and Chris Brown with center Louie Caporusso to form a new front line of offense.

The three skilled goal-scoring threats didn't take long to produce and played a key role in the No. 11-ranked Wolverines' sweep of Ohio State, registering three goals and five assists.

More importantly, though, Berenson may have created a powerful line that could spark Michigan's offense for the rest of the season.

The new top line helped spark Brown - who scored goals in both games, including the game-winner Saturday in a 2-1 victory over the Buckeyes. It also brought the best out of Caporusso, who finished the weekend with a goal and an assist after struggling to produce points at his normal pace for much of the season.

"It was a big change, but I think it was a good change," Berenson said. "I thought the line generated some good scoring chances, and it was good to see the puck go in for Louie and for Brownie because they've been snake-bit a little bit, and that's what we need."

Hagelin and Caporusso, who are Michigan's two top point-producers, have played on the same line in small doses this season. But by replacing Matt Rust with Brown, the Wolverines not only get a big body around the net, but they get a scoring option that, when the sophomore's shot is on target, can be potent.

After scoring twice last weekend, Brown credited his new linemates for getting him going. Brown entered with the weekend with just four goals.

Now, it's just a matter of the threesome putting it together for the final four games of the regular season starting this weekend at home against No. 17 Western Michigan (7:35 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Comcast Channel 900 Friday; Fox Sports Detroit Saturday).

"It's only going to get better now," Hagelin said. "It's all about finding a rhythm. (Caporusso and Brown) are both strong on the puck, they're both good skaters, and so they create a lot of room for me and they both have good hockey sense. Louie is really good at coming through the middle and scoring when he gets the chance, and Brown has a good shot.

"So together, we should be a good combination."

Michigan's new top line blends three unique individuals, each of whom brings something different to the line.

Hagelin is Michigan's best skater and finisher, but isn't overly vocal. At center, Caporusso works as the glue that binds the line, saying what he needs to while also making sure both of his wing men are content with their chances.

Having played with Hagelin for the past four years and knowing what buttons to push to draw the best of Brown, Caporusso thinks Michigan's new top line has all the right pieces in place to be productive.

The three have already combined for 28 goals and 50 assists for a team that has depended on plenty of secondary scoring to remain in the hunt for a CCHA championship.

The new top line will look to take the next step this weekend against Western Michigan. While Michigan continues to thrive on the production of players like David Wohlberg (11 goals, six assists) and Scooter Vaughan (10 goals, five assists) Berenson says his best players have to rise to the top.

"I think we saw glimpses of some real good shifts throughout the weekend (against Ohio State)," Caporusso said. "The first two periods was a bit of an adjustment just because we haven't played with each other very much, but then after that, I felt like we were really clicking. So I like the line a lot and think it could be really good."

Jeff Arnold covers Michigan hockey for AnnArbor.com and can be reached at (734) 623-2554 or by e-mail at jeffarnold@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @jeffreyparnold.