Some news out of Maine, Blair Marsh will get the start in goal tomorrow
night when the Black Bears play Union.  Allison's consecutive game streak
will come to an end.  Marsh earned this start last year in my opinion, but
Coach Shawn Walsh didn't want to "hurt Allison's confidence".  I think it's
already hurt.  Allison has allowed 14 goals in three games for a 4.67 GAA.
Allison also seemed soft at times in Maine's 6-3 loss to Michigan.  Not all
goals were Allison's fault, but he should have made the stop on at least the
first two Michigan goals.  Blair Marsh played in 9 games, playing over 100
minutes without allowing a goal "in relief" of Allison.  Perhaps some other
Maine fan can give some perspective here, but if I remember correctly in
1993-4 Marsh and Allison split time, with Marsh putting up the better
numbers early, but he got hurt or sick (perhaps he was just sick of the
NCAA.. heh) but they tailed off.
 
Personally, I think this is a good move.  I wanted to see Walsh play Marsh
more last year, and I don't think it's unheard of to see Marsh get more
playing time this year.  I think it's better for goaltenders when they have
to compete to make sure they can receive more playing time.  I don't expect
at this point that Walsh will alternate Marsh and Allison, but regardless
Marsh will start Saturday.  I'm sure I'll be able to find out tomorrow why
this move was made, but I'd imagine it's because Allison has not been the
same goaltender he was last year.
 
In other news:  Walsh commended freshmen defensemen Brett Clark and David
Cullen on their play.  Walsh also didn't seem to be incredibly disappointed
with the loss, as he mentioned Maine clearly out shot Michigan.  I think
that Maine could have easily won the game, but they made some mistakes and
Michigan made Maine pay, Maine could not return the favor consistantly, and
that's how the game works when you play top teams.  Maine at times put on a
lot of pressure, but at times they went to sleep.  They have to keep their
focus and composure, and put together a more constant effort.  I look for
great improvement Saturday, and I think the loss will help them.
---
Deron [log in to unmask]
 
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