Warriors can't find a way to close in the third period against the Friars

Providence 4, Merrimack 2

Max Lundgren makes one of his 33 saves against Providence (TYLER MCMAHON/TMR)

PROVIDENCE — Merrimack’s growing pains keep surfacing in the third period.

Last night against Providence — much like last Friday at BU — the Warriors had a lead in the final frame against one of Hockey East’s heavyweight programs, only to watch it slip away. BU rallied to win in overtime last week, and the Friars delivered the decisive blow with 5:35 remaining in regulation on Friday, handing Merrimack a 4–2 road loss.

“I thought we played harder in the defensive zone,” Merrimack coach Scott Borek said. “We were better tonight than I think we were last weekend. We defended the house better. [Providence] is a heck of a team, and we just need to find a way to finish off games. We’ve been in position to take points, but we need to finish. We’re a younger team, and we’re learning how to get through those moments right now.”