MAINE 3 Merrimack 2
 
A good game at the Alfond tonight as Maine made it past Merrimack 3-2. The
win for Blair Allison (26) is a school record for wins in a season, great
job by Allison!  Both teams came out and took it to each other, as several
penalties were called in the first half of the game, Maine took advantage
finally at the 10:58 mark as Brad Purdie connected on another goal and it
was 1-0.  Maine dominated the first period of play.  Merrimack had a very
difficult time setting up in their offensive zone and generating quality
shots.  Maine outshot them for the perio 13-5.
 
The second period was different was Merrimack came out flying, and Maine
just didn't seem to have it together.  This period was almost entirely
played in the center zone, not surprising since both Merrimack and Maine
have a great defense.  Merrimack got their first goal 57 seconds into the
first, as Steve McKenna scored on the power-play and the game was tied.
Merrimack came dangerously close to taking the lead as the shot end of a 2
on 1 hit the cross-bar.
 
Maine began the third period much better as they would score twice in the
first half of the period.  Brad Mahoney scored at 2:44 to give the lead back
to Maine.  Then Tim Lovell padded the lead on the power-play at 7:50 and it
was 3-1 Maine.  Maine seemed to be worn down, as Merrimack had Maine play a
lot of the game along the boards up until now, and Merrimack did not play
Saturday like Maine did, and it paid off at 13:09 as Krause scored to close
the gap, but they could get no closer.
 
I thought Merrimack played very well tonight.  Both teams really match up
well with one another.  Merrimack though was able to play their kind of game
for the most part, and if they could carry that for 60 minutes, they could
beat any team.  They've already proved that tying Maine, and playing them
close in the two other games, and beating Boston University.  I had just
watched the LSSU/Maine Championship game this weekend, the Merrimack's play
reminded me a lot of how LSSU wore Maine down, and kept play along the boards.
 
Jeff Tory had a fabulous weekend for Maine.  He assisted on all three goals,
to give him SIX assists for the weekend.  Brad Purdie and Tim Lovell both
netted 3 goals on the weekend as well.  Maine now takes a week off as they
don't play again till Feb. 25 when they host Lowell. Maine will look to
clinch Hockey East at home that weekend as they are now only two games away.
 When Mike returns, I'm sure he'll post a much more in depth analysis of
this game.  One of the better games at the Alfond this year for sure.  Box
score will follow this message.
 
 
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Deron  Treadwell - [log in to unmask]
The University of Maine (26-2-6)  GO BLUE!!
The "Magic" Point Total is 10 and counting!
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