Welcome to tonight’s live coverage of Merrimack vs. Northeastern. I’ll have in-game analysis and updates from tonight’s game in the thread below. If you have input or questions during the game, you can leave comments in this thread.
Warriors are going to fall here. They'll drop to 10-13-1-2. Losing streak up to four games and 1-5 in their last six. Merrimack had a similar run last season at this time, but they had a much better start in the first half and closed the season on a 7-0 run.
Really close on the replay. NU puck carrier pulled the puck back on the zone entry. Not sure if it will be definitive (based on the angle I saw) but it's very close.
Hold on. They're reviewing it. This is a challenge, reviewing for offside. So the review earlier must have been an official review and not a challenge.
Next offensive-zone faceoff, I pull the goalie if I'm the Warriors. Anyone who has been here for a while knows I believe teams (in general) wait way too long to pull the goalie. Scott Borek is usually pretty aggressive, which I like, so let's see.
Bookman gave Andy Moore a little shove with his stick after he appeared to spray Ollas and Moore responded with a haymaker. They're taking both. I cant believe that. Awful call there. One guy gave a little shove, and the other threw a wild punch. That's ridiculous.
Merrimack has benefitted from this a few times as well, but I don't like this trend where the referee is waiting by the bench after a goal to see if a team wants to challenge. That needs to be determined quick, it's part of the game. Teams shouldn't have unlimited time for their video personnel to go through the tape and determine if there should be a challenge.
Luke Weilandt just drew his third penalty of the weekend by moving his feet. High-motor player. McDonald off for interference, pinning Weilandt to the wall after he chipped the puck past him.
FINAL: Northeastern beats Merrimack 4-1.
Merrimack started the second half 2-8-1 last season but went 14-4 in the first half.
Warriors are going to fall here. They'll drop to 10-13-1-2. Losing streak up to four games and 1-5 in their last six. Merrimack had a similar run last season at this time, but they had a much better start in the first half and closed the season on a 7-0 run.
1:00 left.
NORTHEASTERN ENG: Now it's 4-1.
Merrimack takes its timeout now. NZ faceoff coming.
2:49 to play.
That could be significant if they score here.
Merrimack also retains its timeout by winning the challenge.
There he goes as soon as MC gets it in the zone. Extra attacker out.
So the Warriors are still alive. 3:20 to play. Watching Ollas because I think he comes to the bench soon.
No goal.
Really close on the replay. NU puck carrier pulled the puck back on the zone entry. Not sure if it will be definitive (based on the angle I saw) but it's very close.
Nothing to lose (but a timeout) if you're Merrimack. If it stands, game pretty much over. If you get it overturned, you're still alive.
Hold on. They're reviewing it. This is a challenge, reviewing for offside. So the review earlier must have been an official review and not a challenge.
NORTHEASTERN GOAL: 4-1 Huskies. Liam Walsh scores against his former team. That will just about do it now. 3:27 left.
Next offensive-zone faceoff, I pull the goalie if I'm the Warriors. Anyone who has been here for a while knows I believe teams (in general) wait way too long to pull the goalie. Scott Borek is usually pretty aggressive, which I like, so let's see.
3:46 to play.
Media timeout. Still 3-1 Huskies with 4:48 to play.
There is a 0% chance that they were calling Bookman for the shove alone. It's only a penalty because Moore punched him.
Bookman gave Andy Moore a little shove with his stick after he appeared to spray Ollas and Moore responded with a haymaker. They're taking both. I cant believe that. Awful call there. One guy gave a little shove, and the other threw a wild punch. That's ridiculous.
I think it's Campbell's goal.
I think that hit Hillier? Maybe Alex Campbell?
NORTHEASTERN GOAL: Deflected off of someone in front. 3-1 Huskies.
MC kills the penalty. 5v5 with 10:43 to play.
Merrimack almost got caught with a too many men earlier as well.
NU PP coming. Too many men on Merrimack.
Third period underway at Lawler. 2-1 Huskies.
End of 2: Northeastern leads Merrimack 2-1.
Merrimack going to the PP.
The game has some up-and-down pace now. I'm not sure Merrimack wants that, though. Bono with a good bid in front.
Northeastern wins the draw and Cam Lund has a chance on the rush.
Warriors were controlling most of the play this period, but the wheels have come off in the last two minutes.
Quick review, but it's a good goal. 2-1 Huskies.
NORTHEASTERN GOAL: Huskies take a 2-1 lead 1:15 after tying the game.
Terrific pass from Borgesi on that goal.
NORTHEASTERN GOAL: Huskies tie the game, 1-1.
Media timeout. Merrimack leads 1-0 with 9:45 left in the 2nd.
Brar and Dorrington off for matching minors. 4v4.
Merrimack controlling the play since they scored the PP goal.
Hillier took a stick in the ... let's call it the region you don't want to take a stick. No penalties. Incidental. He seems OK now back on the bench.
Felton is centering Citara and Gallant for a shift.
Puck stuck in front of the MC net. No one could find it for a second. Forsmark with a block on Staudacher.
Challenge unsuccessful. Good goal.
Merrimack has benefitted from this a few times as well, but I don't like this trend where the referee is waiting by the bench after a goal to see if a team wants to challenge. That needs to be determined quick, it's part of the game. Teams shouldn't have unlimited time for their video personnel to go through the tape and determine if there should be a challenge.
Good goal called on the ice. Potential high stick is the challenge.
Northeastern is going to challenge the play, I assume for goalie interference. Let's see.
MERRIMACK GOAL: Ty Daneault scores from the "Alex Jefferies spot" on the power play. 1-0 Merrimack.
Luke Weilandt just drew his third penalty of the weekend by moving his feet. High-motor player. McDonald off for interference, pinning Weilandt to the wall after he chipped the puck past him.
Ollas with a tough save through traffic. The first period was low-event hockey. Not much happening at either end (at least a 5v5).