Tony wrote:
>
> Minn played tough, hung in there in play carrying, but
> could not connect.  The difference in this game was that
> Maine had a better goaltender, Dunham, who stuffed many
> Minn chances, while Maine's talent up front, whenever
> they did manage to break free, made Minn pay for it.
> The Maine power play looks better every time I see them.
 
I got so caught up in defending our little burgh I forgot to post similar
comments re: Maine.  I was a Dunham/Snow doubter...wondering whether they
are really that good or just rack up good stats playing behind a strong
team.  Perhaps...but based on Saturday's game (small sample) it looks
like the weak link (if any) on this team is the defense.  Dunham played an
excellent game - making numerous excellent saves when the game was still on the
line.  He did leave some rebounds out front, but the defense did a decent job of
clearing them.
 
The Maine forwards were outstanding.  They are fast, some large, and move the
puck very well.  Montgomery, Kariya and Fenton had excellent games.  The
The Ferraros also showed flashes of brilliance (more on them later).
 
All in all, this is the first college team I've seen which may be as good as or
better than the great RPI team of '84-'85.  Very impressive.....but a word of
caution to Maine fans....as great as that team was take a look at the results
in the NCAA semis and finals to see how close they came to losing in the
tournament.
 
Re: the Ferraros....I was impressed.  However, I'm convinced that Tim Taylor
would be making a big mistake if he cuts a deal to let them play for Maine
rather than joining the team for the pre-Olympic tournament.  They're good, but
not so much that they justify special treatment.  It would destroy team morale..
......  What would you tell Rolston, Holzinger, Drury, etc.?
 
Note: I don't know what arrangements have been made....I'm just speculating
based on Walsh's announcement that Kariya and the Ferraros will play for Maine
next season.
 
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Jon Greene
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Data General Corp., Westboro, MA
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