No need to give you the box since Kevin already posted most of the info
on this game (thanks, Kevin), but just a few more notes.
 
The 19-18 shot advantage to Merrimack is a good indicator that this game was
a defensive struggle.  As I've said, BC will only win games in which they
play strong defense and hold the opponents to a couple of goals or less.
LaGrand was not the difference although he was awarded the second star; BC's
defense played extremely well, particularly freshman Ian Moran.  Merrimack's
D wasn't bad either, but I consider MC's offense to be much better, so the
edge on D clearly goes to the Eagles.  I agree with Kevin's comment that
most of the quality shots went to the Warriors, and we're not even counting
about four great missed opportunities.  This was a game Merrimack should
have won, but their big guns couldn't convert when they needed to.
 
It was one of those games that went five minutes at a time without a shot
on net.  Both teams skate well and there was a lot of up-and-down action
but few shots.  BC has one line that can generate consistent chances, Beran-
Franzosa-Rathbone.  Almost every Merrimack line was involved in at least
one great scoring chance.
 
Again, like the MC-RPI game, mistakes cost the Warriors (BC's 2nd goal).  Even
if they still don't convert the missed quality chances, the game is still 1-1
into OT.  BC played a nearly flawless game.
 
Merrimack next goes to Army Saturday.  BC hosts RPI Friday night in what
should be a matchup of two similar teams: good D, little scoring, solid
netminding.
 
 
- mike