Got a chance to listen to the coaches show tonight, here are some of the
highlights for discussion:
 
* Walsh was happy with overall result [5-4 win over Providence, 8-5 win over
UML], five wins in the last six games.
 
* He was unhappy with how they've ended the past two games, but it was
probably good because it will help them in the future.
 
* Walsh believes Providence has a lot of talent, and that they'll get better
because it is a confidence problem.
 
* UML had to be stunned by the way they were jumped.  Walsh didn't think
Maine played great, especially in the first period.  UML was agressive with
heavy forecheck, and Maine capitalized on that.
 
* Walsh was most impressed with 13 goals scored this weekend since they came
against Dennis, and Fillion (Lindsay too, but that wasn't mentioned),
goalies who Walsh considers among the best.  Maine actually scored 10 goals
on Dennis and Fillion, and then three on Craig Lindsay.
 
* Two short-handed goals in four games (both from defensemen), none at
Christmas.
 
* Walsh felt Gustafsson was trying too hard to be perfect in practice when
out of the lineup, and now that he has his confidence he is much better
because he is playing "loose".
 
* Walsh noted that Merrimack is good at home, cited 6-2 win over Lowell and
3-3 tie with BU.  Used the NFL Jacksonville/Denver senario with team, in
other words, don't take MC lightly or you might get burned.
 
* Walsh thinks Hockey East overall is down, mainly because of the top
players (Paul Kariya's and Craig Janney) are going major junior.  Walsh
cites the problem with NCAA rules that don't allow schools to contact
players till grade 11, while Major Junior can contact them much younger.
 
Those were brief highlights, perhaps others heard the show and can comment,
but overall there are some good points to discuss there.
 
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Deron Treadwell ([log in to unmask])