Merrimack tops Vermont in first game of a weekend series
BURLINGTON, Vt. — Behind a four-goal second period, Merrimack won its second straight game on Friday night with a 5-2 victory over Vermont at Gutterson Fieldhouse.
Hugo Ollas made 28 saves for the Warriors, winning his second straight start. Over the last two games, Ollas has stopped 49 out of 52 shots.
"He made a huge save in the second period," said Merrimack coach Scott Borek. "He made a lot of big saves. He was getting hit in the chest a lot, but that's because he was tracking the puck so well. He didn't have to extend himself because he was in position all night."
Merrimack's offense had dried up during its recent losing streak, but the Warriors now have eight goals in their last two games.
"We've been getting chances, we're just finally starting to bury them," Borek said. "We were squeezing our sticks, and have been all year. That happens. But it's nice to see guys start to relax."
The Warriors were also the beneficiaries of some bounces. On their second goal of the game, a puck deflected off a Vermont defender's stick and past UVM goalie Gabe Carriere.
"We've earned some of those bounces," Borek said. "This group has been through a lot, and the fact that they're still playing this hard at this point in the year is impressive."
There were some frightening moments. Mainly, penalties late in the game put Vermont on the power play. At one point, the Catamounts had four straight power plays, including a 5-on-3.
"We made the game stressful at times," Borek said. "About half the game, we made it stressful when we didn't need to, and we were getting a little complicated offensively, but when we simplified things we were better. (Vermont) is a good team, and they play hard. We can't keep giving them those (power play) chances)."
Merrimack and Vermont complete the two-game series tonight at Gutterson Fieldhouse. The Warriors are looking to string together their first three-game winning streak since the end of December.