Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

[ActionJoe]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

You're kidding, right?

Dryden won 20+ games each season at Cornell and posted a GAA below 2.0.

With all due respect to Cannata, and with recognition of the fact that the game is not exactly the same as it was in '65-'69, these two players are in no way comparable.

Just wait till hokydad shows up. You two will have some good times.

[Go-UML]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

He was just reiterating the words of USCHO's bestest poster ever - Hokydad. Just wait!! I'm sure he'll infest...I mean, join in the discussion here given his fan loyalties. Seriously, just wait! It'll be a treat!!

*hides*

[Scarlet]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

*hides*

There's no hiding from Hokydad!!!

[UMLFan]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

When was the last time that Lowell/MC played even this far into the season with both teams being above .500? Hell, I'm stunned that Merrimack has still garnered fewer votes at this point than BU. Interesting to see that MC's undefeated at home, and winless on the road. Hope that continues at least for this weekend.

Just looking at stats, DaCosta, Barton and Cucci have more points than anyone on the Lowell team (and Bowen's tied with all four of the Lowell point leaders).

I'm assuming Lowell will see Canata Saturday in net?

Merrimack lost all three games against Lowell last year, all close games, 3-1, 3-2 and 3-2. Canata got the L in the latter two games (Brathwaite started the first), and put together a 91.6% save rate in the two games. Just didn't get the offensive support he needed.

This is going to be a very tough game against a very spirited Warrior squad.

[UMLGoon]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

Just looking at stats, DaCosta, Barton and Cucci have more points than anyone on the Lowell team (and Bowen's tied with all four of the Lowell point leaders).

they played army, holy cross and uconn. mystery solved.

[gochiefs]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

they played army, holy cross and uconn. mystery solved.

Merrimack's strength of schedule is currently 38th while Lowell's is now 15th.

[Patman]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

How about the unthinkable... will Merrimack's students travel?

[FiveHole12]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

they played army, holy cross and uconn. mystery solved.

No kidding. No need for UML to even cover the frosh, DaCosta and Brodhag.
You might want to put a man on the upperclassmen though.

[RENCEB]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

they played army, holy cross and uconn. mystery solved.

as opposed to that powerhouse, Alabama-Huntsville?

Regardless of whom they've played, to see "Merrimack" listed among the top scoring teams in the nation is sort of an alternate universe situation. In recent years (okay, even going back further) the Mack has not exactly been an offensive juggernaught. Usually it was one or two players (Stringer, Porter) who could score. This year's team seems to have a lot more offensive balance.

[Salvo1017]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

No kidding. No need for UML to even cover the frosh, DaCosta and Brodhag.
You might want to put a man on the upperclassmen though.

Sarcasm I hope?

[dmjossel]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

Just wait till hokydad shows up. You two will have some good times.

I put him on the ignore list first thing.

[dmjossel]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

they played army, holy cross and uconn. mystery solved.

DaCosta is tied for 3rd in league scoring with a 3-5--8 mark. This does not (obviously) include his five-goal game against Army (or any other nonleague play, for that matter).

Brodhag is tied for 6th in league scoring with UML's Schaus (5-2--7 and 3-4--7 marks respectively).

Barton and Cucci are tied with Vallorani, Worthington, and Holmstrom. Those players' six points in 5 games tie them for 14th in league scoring.

In the next slot, freshman Elliott Sheen has five points in five games.

With four points in four games, Merrimack's Bowen, Bigos, and Velleca are tied with UML's Scheau, Edwards, Auger and Felite.


So, yes, the advantage in scoring is not as pronounced in league-only play as it is in all play-- but as others have pointed out, Lowell did have two games against UAH.

In league play, both teams have an identical +5 mark, although Merrimack has scored (and allowed) more goals: 23-18 vs 19-14.

Merrimack's special teams have a slight edge in PP percentage (27-22) and UML's has a slight edge in PK percentage (88-86). Something has to give there.

The first period may be telling; Merrimack has struggled in the first stanza, while Lowell has been strong in the first and last. UML is 4-1 when leading after one, where MC is 2-0 (which just says they haven't had a first period lead very often, but when they have, it has held up-- but only at home.)

I'd expect a close game, but so far it seems that home ice advantage in HE this year has been pretty strong. It's great to see both of these teams in the thick of things this year, and I hope it continues.

[FiveHole12]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

Sarcasm I hope?

[HawksSk860]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

How can we let this thread go dead during what is one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory for both these teams?!?!
Honestly, as much as I think Lowell is a terrific team, I'm a little afraid of this game, for the following reasons:

1. They have a goaltender who can steal a game
2. But they also have guys who can score
3. Perhaps most importantly, MC has a ton of heart.

This game will be close either way, here's hoping Lowell can pull it out!

[warriors16]

Re: Merrimack @ Lowell 11/21

How can we let this thread go dead during what is one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory for both these teams?!?!
Honestly, as much as I think Lowell is a terrific team, I'm a little afraid of this game, for the following reasons:

1. They have a goaltender who can steal a game
2. But they also have guys who can score
3. Perhaps most importantly, MC has a ton of heart.

This game will be close either way, here's hoping Lowell can pull it out!

Plus they have a better coach