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Final Score: Merrimack defeats Northeastern 4-1. SOG 34-27 Merrimack. Warriors improve to 3-1-1. Northeastern goes to 2-2-0. Both teams look to get healthy moving forward.
Merrimack takes a timeout with 3:33 left. The linesmen tried to tell the MC bench they couldn't change (there was an icing) but that's wrong. Merrimack can change because they took their timeout.
Overall, that was a better second period. There were still times where the Huskies had controlled time in the attacking zone, but the Warriors didn't allow as many scoring chances.
They've put themselves in good position here on the road, up 2-0 with 20 minute to go. The Warriors should expect a strong push from the Huskies, but they can't change their approach. Sometimes teams start to sit back on their heels and try to "protect" the lead, which usually results in the lead slipping away.
I know it's been said by Scott Borek, but this Merrimack team does take a lot of pride in blocking shots. Press level at Matthews is only a few feet above the Merrimack bench, and they're exploding with every blocked shot. Luke Weilandt with one just one that led to a breakout.
MERRIMACK GOAL: Warriors take a 2-0 lead over Northeastern. Liam Dennison shot from the point. I don't believe it was tipped. Looked like a knucklepuck.
Merrimack comes out of the first period with the lead on the road, which is always a good thing. I'm sure they'll take it. But overall, that period could have been better. The Warriors spent a lot of time in their D zone. Borgiel with some excellent saves to keep the Huskies off the board. Warriors had the shot edge, but most of those chances were one-and-done.
In the D zone, Merrimack did a nice job of staying in lanes and keeping the Huskies to the outside. There were a few times they snuck in for second chances. Merrimack not very aggressive attacking the points. Playing passive in the D zone and trying to clog up shooting lanes, which they've done for the most part. But, that has led to long offensive possessions for the Huskies.
Excellent job by Matt Copponi to drive the net. He took two defenders with him, and Zach Bookman was going to the back post. Bookman’s first of the season for Merrimack.
Borgiel is keeping Merrimack in the game early. The Warriors have had some offensive chances but not a lot of sustained zone time. Borgiel has had to make four really tough saves.
Daneault and Gallant doing a nice job on the points that last shift. NU tries to generate offense from the back end (even though they're missing some guys). Gallant and Daneault both clogged lanes there and didn't allow pucks to reach the net.
Warmups are complete here at Matthews Arena. Traffic was BRUTAL getting in here tonight. It took me 90 minutes for my 13-mile commute. The crowd is filing in. Northeastern always has a strong student showing.
Final Score: Merrimack defeats Northeastern 4-1. SOG 34-27 Merrimack. Warriors improve to 3-1-1. Northeastern goes to 2-2-0. Both teams look to get healthy moving forward.
Long-range empty-neter for for the Warriors. 4-1 with 1:42 left.
Merrimack takes a timeout with 3:33 left. The linesmen tried to tell the MC bench they couldn't change (there was an icing) but that's wrong. Merrimack can change because they took their timeout.
Mac Welsher was stuck in the zone hurt on the ice. He's headed down the tunnel. Appeared to be in a lot of pain. Merrimack can't afford more injuries.
The officials are reviewing this goal. From the replay, looked to me like a good goal. We'll see.
NORTHEASTERN GOAL: Huskies cut the Merrimack lead to 3-1 with 9:19 left.
Michael Citara with his second goal of the season. He roofed it. Wicked wrister.
MERRIMACK GOAL: Warriors make it a 3-0 lead on Northeastern with 12:05 to play.
Game on in the 3rd period.
Overall, that was a better second period. There were still times where the Huskies had controlled time in the attacking zone, but the Warriors didn't allow as many scoring chances.
They've put themselves in good position here on the road, up 2-0 with 20 minute to go. The Warriors should expect a strong push from the Huskies, but they can't change their approach. Sometimes teams start to sit back on their heels and try to "protect" the lead, which usually results in the lead slipping away.
End of 2: Merrimack leads Northeastern 2-0. SOG 23-21 Merrimack.
1:00 left in the 2nd period.
It looked like the initial point of contact was on his chest. But it's a matter of if the high finish contacted the head.
Merrimack back to the PK. Matt Copponi to the box. Northeastern is going to challenge it for a high hit, I assume.
I know it's been said by Scott Borek, but this Merrimack team does take a lot of pride in blocking shots. Press level at Matthews is only a few feet above the Merrimack bench, and they're exploding with every blocked shot. Luke Weilandt with one just one that led to a breakout.
MERRIMACK GOAL: Warriors take a 2-0 lead over Northeastern. Liam Dennison shot from the point. I don't believe it was tipped. Looked like a knucklepuck.
The second period is underway at Matthews Arena. Welsher's line starts with Dennison and Felton.
Merrimack comes out of the first period with the lead on the road, which is always a good thing. I'm sure they'll take it. But overall, that period could have been better. The Warriors spent a lot of time in their D zone. Borgiel with some excellent saves to keep the Huskies off the board. Warriors had the shot edge, but most of those chances were one-and-done.
In the D zone, Merrimack did a nice job of staying in lanes and keeping the Huskies to the outside. There were a few times they snuck in for second chances. Merrimack not very aggressive attacking the points. Playing passive in the D zone and trying to clog up shooting lanes, which they've done for the most part. But, that has led to long offensive possessions for the Huskies.
End of 1: Merrimack leads Northeastern 1-0. SOG 11-10 Merrimack.
Welsher just had his stick slashed in half.
Excellent job by Matt Copponi to drive the net. He took two defenders with him, and Zach Bookman was going to the back post. Bookman’s first of the season for Merrimack.
MERRIMACK GOAL: Merrimack leads Northeastern 1-0 with 5:19 left in the first period.
Borgiel is keeping Merrimack in the game early. The Warriors have had some offensive chances but not a lot of sustained zone time. Borgiel has had to make four really tough saves.
Great look by Bookman to find Citara for a stretch pass. Whitehead saved it but fumbled with it a little. Rebound bounced to the middle.
Daneault and Gallant doing a nice job on the points that last shift. NU tries to generate offense from the back end (even though they're missing some guys). Gallant and Daneault both clogged lanes there and didn't allow pucks to reach the net.
Game on at Matthews Arena.
Teams are about ready to drop the puck.
Warmups are complete here at Matthews Arena. Traffic was BRUTAL getting in here tonight. It took me 90 minutes for my 13-mile commute. The crowd is filing in. Northeastern always has a strong student showing.