University of Mass-Amherst (5-21-2, 3-15-0 Last in Hockey East)
at
University of Maine (24-2-6, 12-1-6 1st in Hockey East)
7PM Saturday, Alfond Arena, Orono, Maine.
TV Coverage, WLBZ-2 (Bangor), 6-ALIVE (Portland)
--------------------------------------------------
It's been a season of firsts for the UMass Minutemen. It is their first
season in Hockey East, they got their first victory against Notre Dame, and
their first upset against Maine two weeks ago. Tonight, they make their
first trip to Alfond Arena in a very much anticipated rematch, at least from
Maine's point of view.
UMass pulled off the trick of the year, beating Maine 4-2 on Jan. 28, and I
thought it would be a turning point for the program, but less than a week
later they lost to Holy Cross 3-2. Boston University beat them, then with
an opportunity to gain some points, were blitzed by 7th place Merrimack 6-2.
These losses coupled with the fact they are playing at the Alfond, and that
Maine (and more importantly probally Maine's fans) is looking for revenge
could create a long evening for the Minutemen. But, if Maine learned
anything they should know that nothing is given. UMass knows what they need
to do to beat Maine, but Maine was at that game too. The University of
Maine as a whole was embarassed by the loss to UMass, and even professors
during lectures related to the loss. Nobody has let Maine forget about that
game, and tonight they have a chance to make up for that embarassment.
UMass is led by forward Rob Bonneau. Bonneau had 1 of 2 goals scored last
night against Merrimack to increase his numbers to 12-12--24. Blair Wager
(11-9--20), and Sal Manangaro (12-6--18) also bear watching. Manganaro
scored two goals against Maine in their series two weeks ago, and Wager also
had a goal. Goalie Brian Regan was the difference last time stopping 69 of
72 shots he faced against Maine, he will need to be equally as effective
tonight for UMass to stand a chance. UMass' defense will also need to
continue their strong play. UMass' "D" helped Regan last time by clearing
the numerous rebounds that he gave up. They will need to do that again.
Let's also not forget that Maine had 26 shots (I believe) in the 3rd period
once they woke up in the 4-2 loss. Maine finds a way to put the puck in the
net at home, and UMass MUST limit the shots Maine takes. Maine will crash
the net looking for those rebounds, and they will push UMass' defense to
come up big. If their defense is not ready, any kind of offense they have
will be a moot point.
Since the loss to UMass, Maine has outscored their opponents 13-3 in two
games, and are as focused as they have been all year. The loss seemed to
put everything in perspective, and they realize that they are in a "race"
with BU just behind, and their is no room for Maine to stumble. They will
undoubtably have a better focus coming into this game with UMass than they
did two weeks ago. Maine is led by defensemen Jeff Tory (8-28--36), who I
believe is the top scoring defensemen in Hockey East. Sophomore forwards
Tim Lovell (14-18--32) and Dan Shermerhorn (17-13--30) also over the 30
point mark. Maine continues to share the wealth as 7 players have over 25
points, 9 have over 20, and 13 players have over 15 points. Maine will look
to continue to have the tight defense that returned last weekend, but also
look to continue the balanced scoring, and just plain attack. Regan gave up
a lot of rebounds, Maine will look to put some of those home tonight.
If the season series holds true, whoever starts out first will win this
game. Both Maine and UMA in the games they won jumped out to 3-0 leads in
the first period. The key for UMA is to stay close, and make the crowd who
is foaming to beat them, quiet down, and maybe get on their team some. If
Maine jumps on UMA like they will try to, this game will probally over
early. I don't see UMA mounting a huge comeback at Alfond. If UMA stays in
it after one, they could make a game out if it. Maine is closing in on the
HE Championship, they need this game, look for Walsh to have the boys really
focused! I'm looking forward to this one, game report will follow.
--------------------------------------------
Deron Treadwell - [log in to unmask]
The University of Maine (24-2-6) GO BLUE!!
The "Magic" Point Total is 20 and counting!
--------------------------------------------
|
