Reax: Merrimack 3. UMass Lowell 1

Postgame
Mark Dennehy, Merrimack Head Coach


Ryan Flanigan, Merrimack Soph. Winger


Blaise MacDonald, Lowell Head Coach


Mike Machnik also brings us a podcast with Mark Dennehy and Ryan Flanigan. You can subscribe to all of Mike Machnik's podcasts (the first podcast linked with a college hockey team) by clicking here.

Highlights

Jeff Velleca scores a power play goal in the second period to tie the score, 1-1.


The Grades
Offense - A-
Another very good offensive night for the Warriors. Merrimack was on the attack from the opening faceoff and never turned down the heat. MC generated 33 shots on goal and really made Carter Hutton work. Hutton made some really great saves, including stonewalling Jesse Todd on a beautiful chance in the second period. Todd one-timed a puck that Hutton stuck the pad on. Nothing Todd could have done - just a great save by Hutton. Three goals is enough more often than not and the Warriors were swarming.

Defense - A+
This could be the first A+ given out since we started the grades. Lowell scores on a fluky goal in the second period and UML's only real scoring chances came on the power play, but even then, MC's penalty kill was exceptional. 5-on-5, I don't think Lowell had one chance from grade-A. The Warriors worked their tails off tonight. They blocked shots (13), they won physical battles along the boards and won races to loose pucks. There were times during this game where MC made Lowell look like it didn't belong on the same ice. There was a determination with the Warriors tonight and it really showed when they were defending.

Special Teams - A
Adam Ross was an animal on the penalty kill, hitting bodies and blocking shots. Merrimack's PK went 7 for 7 on the night and allowed just 10 shots in a little over 12 minutes of time on the kill. The power play netted the equalizer in the second period - Jeff Velleca's goal - and the Warriors utilized it to not only generate scoring chances, but gain and hold momentum. Merrimack's special teams give them a chance to win every night. In the two-referee era, special teams are crucial.

The Difference Maker
Merrimack's knockout punch
This was a 1-1 game heading into the third period, but two Merrimack scores in the first 4:30 put UML down for the count. Those early strikes were obviously the difference, and Merrimack almost netted a fourth. They didn't sit on a lead and the Warriors didn't take their foot off the gas for a second.

Warrior Of The Game
Carter Madsen, Sophomore Forward
This is a tough choice - I could literally make a case for everyone who dressed - but Madsen gets my nod. I'll tell you what - lately, he's been terrific. He's been flying all over the ice and winning battles. He's going 100% every time his blades touch the ice. He's just been everywhere. He didn't show up on the scoresheet but I thought that tonight was one of the best games he's played as a Warrior. It's like someone shot him out of a cannon tonight.
Not to be left out - Adam Ross was unreal on defense. Ryan Flanigan and linemantes J.C. Robitaille and John Jamieson continue to be just what the Warriors need. Chris Barton scored his 17th goal of the year, Velleca had a goal and Da Costa had two assists.
Oh, and getting lost in all this, Joe Cannata only allowed one goal. ... Literally, this could go to any player that was dressed in yellow. One of the best efforts of the year, period.

The Leftovers
> Good teams don't turtle in the face of adversity. They stand up, punch it in the mouth, and stomp on it. That's exactly what Merrimack did tonight. There's still a lot of hockey left, but I thought this was a must-win game for Merrimack. They needed to make a statement after Friday's loss to Northeastern. Consider the statement made.

> Joe Cannata picked up his first win since Nov. 13 against Boston University. The sophomore made 20 saves. He was having an easy night in the first two periods but Lowell had the bulk of its chances in the third and Cannata weathered the storm. He was moving well in the crease and most of the pucks were hitting the chest protector, which means positioning was impeccable.

> Jeff Velleca is a team-leading plus-5 on the season. Velleca has fit in quite nicely with Barton and Da Costa on the top line. The sophomore winger can flat out fly and it creates space for Barton and Da Costa to carry the puck. Teams have to be careful with him because of that speed.

> Only three Warriors - Chris Barton, Adam Ross and Pat Bowen - have appeared in every game for Merrimack this season.