I would like to congratulate Mike Machnik on a superbly
written, informative, and 100% accurate article written
about last night's Lowell - Merrimack showdown.  He hit
every nail right on the head, and I would like to echo
some of his comments, and add a few of my own.
 
1st-  The Merrimack goaltending was the worst I've seen
      by any team this year, and by far the worst I've
      see Martin LeGault play ever.
      Case in point:  Goal by Dartch - Blue Line, no screen.
                      Goal by Golden - 30 feet away, no screen.
                      Goal by Campbell 30 feet away, maybe a screen.
                      Goal by Salsman  Puck sat in crease for 3 seconds
                                       before LeGault saw/missed it.
 
This was very unusual for a guy who was picked as one of the top goalies
in hockey east, if not the nation.  He now has one win (I don't think
wins vs. Canadian teams should count, but that's a different show)
 
2nd - Lowell's defense was terrible.  The loss of Kriss and Botto really
showed, as Merrimack skaters constantly came up with loose pucks in the Lowell
end.
 
3rd - Fillion played a good game in net.  He let in a deflection goal, which
he didn't have much chance on, and a couple of other goals that some goalies
would've had, some wouldn't.  Bottom line, he's 4-0-1.
 
4th - Merrimack's big defensemen didn't impress me one bit.  They can hit,
but if you're talking offensive moves/awareness, MacKenna is a joke.  He got
the puck at his own blue line and tried to bring it up ice many times, and
skated head down into traffic, losing the puck most every time.  He also looked
very slow and awkward.
 
5th - Marc Salsman is finally getting to show his stuff.  This kid has been the
hardest skater I've seen since Dan O'Connell.  He hits, scores and passes well.
His pass to set up Mahoney on the first goal was as pretty as you'll find, a
behind the net backhander.  I'm happy to see that Bruce is letting him shine and
benching some of the other players who are showing no promise (won't mention
names).
 
Any other coments are welcomed and I would love to talk Lowell hockey with anyone.
 
Regards,
        Steve Twombly
        UMass Lowell 94
 
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