John_Fuller
New member
Well, I think since Lowell fans are talking about colored seats, I think we're a little bored 
Opening up for discussion.
Opening up for discussion.
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#8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
- Thread starter John_Fuller
- Start date
tylerzx2002
Well-known member
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
Big game for Maine to keep their hopes for home-ice alive. I think they'll come out with added pep after UML swept the series at the Alfond.
Big game for Maine to keep their hopes for home-ice alive. I think they'll come out with added pep after UML swept the series at the Alfond.
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
Nothing against Maine, but man am I excited about the Merrimack River Rivalry being meaningful again. I wasn't around when these two teams used to just hate each other unfortunately, but Friday night should be fun as, I believe, this is the first time these two teams were both ranked in the Top 10 and playing each other.
In general Lowell has been a tough place for visiting teams to come into and take points. Lowell needs to keep that going this weekend against two more ranked teams. The mistakes (read: penalties) need to stop as both Merrimack (20.7%) and Maine (27.7%) are very good on the power play. Merrimack is second in the league in most penalty minutes per game, so Lowell's power play (21.3%) should get some chances as well. On the other side of the ledger, the Maine penalty kill has a pretty paltry 75% success rate (2nd worst in the league) and Merrimack is at 81.1% (6th in the league), with Lowell a little bit higher at 81.9% (4th).
The key obviously for Saturday night is to a) not get in the box and b) do the best you can to shut down that top line for Maine as #1-#3 in HE points are all Black Bears.
Another obvious ... big weekend for Doug Carr is needed.
Nothing against Maine, but man am I excited about the Merrimack River Rivalry being meaningful again. I wasn't around when these two teams used to just hate each other unfortunately, but Friday night should be fun as, I believe, this is the first time these two teams were both ranked in the Top 10 and playing each other.
In general Lowell has been a tough place for visiting teams to come into and take points. Lowell needs to keep that going this weekend against two more ranked teams. The mistakes (read: penalties) need to stop as both Merrimack (20.7%) and Maine (27.7%) are very good on the power play. Merrimack is second in the league in most penalty minutes per game, so Lowell's power play (21.3%) should get some chances as well. On the other side of the ledger, the Maine penalty kill has a pretty paltry 75% success rate (2nd worst in the league) and Merrimack is at 81.1% (6th in the league), with Lowell a little bit higher at 81.9% (4th).
The key obviously for Saturday night is to a) not get in the box and b) do the best you can to shut down that top line for Maine as #1-#3 in HE points are all Black Bears.
Another obvious ... big weekend for Doug Carr is needed.
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
Bring back the "Peter Gunn" music, Craig Mactavish, Dean Jenkins, Ken Kaiser, Brian Doyle and Mark Kumpel for Lowell. I'll get Dean Fraser, the Dunn brothers from Woburn, Rick Curran, and Bob Magnuson for Merrimack. Thom Lawler and Bill Riley behind the respective benches. Bring back the Chiefs logo, and I'll don the Warrior headdress and I'll paint my face. You guys have to cheer "Merrimack stinks, just like the river", and we'll respond with the obligatory "Safety School" or "Low, Lower, Lowest, Lowell". Be ready for the tennis balls. Late '70's early '80's were great games. Sure it was DII, but the stands were packed and the fans were into it, whether it was at Volpe (relatively new at the time), Skate3 or Tully.
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
How does 15 minutes make any difference? Fans should just leave for the game 15 minutes earlier!
I hope Lowell expends a lot of emotional energy on Friday so Maine can get on them quick early Sat night, otherwise it could be a difficult game for the Bearz.
I look at the PC/Maine tilt as a "trap game" as Maine could be looking ahead to Sat night.
One game at a time, boys!
How does 15 minutes make any difference? Fans should just leave for the game 15 minutes earlier!
I hope Lowell expends a lot of emotional energy on Friday so Maine can get on them quick early Sat night, otherwise it could be a difficult game for the Bearz.
I look at the PC/Maine tilt as a "trap game" as Maine could be looking ahead to Sat night.
One game at a time, boys!
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
OK, was just informed it's for both games this weekend. With WinterFest going on in downtown, there will be road closures, and might be some parking issues. Definitely going to try and get there early.How does 15 minutes make any difference? Fans should just leave for the game 15 minutes earlier!
WrathOfAramark
Servin the best Lowell has to offer
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
It looks like the human dog sled competition is starting around 6:30. Expect Arcand Dr. to be closed almost all day and the Merrimack St area to be a mess.
For those going to the game and not quite so intimate with Lowell's highways, byways, and dead ends; bring your GPS if you have one. You'd probably prefer not end up in the dark in the Acre because you took a wrong turn. Avoid using the Lowell Connector if you can because it will funnel you into the areas where winterfest is happening.
My recommendations is that anyone coming from the Lawrence/Andover area should probably take Rt. 93 to 110 in Methuen and come in that way from the VFW. Cross the river at Aiken street.
Those from the south should probably use Drum Hill off Rt 3 instead of the connector.
It looks like the human dog sled competition is starting around 6:30. Expect Arcand Dr. to be closed almost all day and the Merrimack St area to be a mess.
For those going to the game and not quite so intimate with Lowell's highways, byways, and dead ends; bring your GPS if you have one. You'd probably prefer not end up in the dark in the Acre because you took a wrong turn. Avoid using the Lowell Connector if you can because it will funnel you into the areas where winterfest is happening.
My recommendations is that anyone coming from the Lawrence/Andover area should probably take Rt. 93 to 110 in Methuen and come in that way from the VFW. Cross the river at Aiken street.
Those from the south should probably use Drum Hill off Rt 3 instead of the connector.
Yuppie Scum
New member
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
The 978 Series (or Fight for 495) is absolutely crucial for both teams this year. I believe home ice will basically be on the line. (Though they could certainly end up facing each other in the opening round anyway.)
The 978 Series (or Fight for 495) is absolutely crucial for both teams this year. I believe home ice will basically be on the line. (Though they could certainly end up facing each other in the opening round anyway.)
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
Found this link which will give some an appreciation of how fierce this rivalry was:
http://www.eagletribune.com/sports/x1996461157/Merrimack-UMass-Lowell-rivalry-is-special/print
Enjoy
Found this link which will give some an appreciation of how fierce this rivalry was:
http://www.eagletribune.com/sports/x1996461157/Merrimack-UMass-Lowell-rivalry-is-special/print
Enjoy
Yuppie Scum
New member
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
Good read! There's no excuse for either team's fans not to show up and fan the flames, now that they're both top-10.
Good read! There's no excuse for either team's fans not to show up and fan the flames, now that they're both top-10.
John_Fuller
New member
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
Yeah, growning up practically next door to the school, it's hard to come up with a rank on Stonehill. In fact, I forget it's actually there sometimes, which may be the rank. I know, how can you diss the school of one James Gorman, more affectionately known as "Lou", but the point is well-taken
There are a lot of eerie similiarties between them: both Roman Catholic, both abut two state highways, both had two Indian mascots that were replaced because of PC, both are a stone's throw from cities with bad reps, and more importantly, both cost (at least now) a s-load of money to go there.
Back to point, any news on the Merrimack side in regards to injuries this weekend. I know Sheen and Ellis were banged up at last report.
Yeah, growning up practically next door to the school, it's hard to come up with a rank on Stonehill. In fact, I forget it's actually there sometimes, which may be the rank. I know, how can you diss the school of one James Gorman, more affectionately known as "Lou", but the point is well-taken
There are a lot of eerie similiarties between them: both Roman Catholic, both abut two state highways, both had two Indian mascots that were replaced because of PC, both are a stone's throw from cities with bad reps, and more importantly, both cost (at least now) a s-load of money to go there.
Back to point, any news on the Merrimack side in regards to injuries this weekend. I know Sheen and Ellis were banged up at last report.
irishfan85
New member
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
Ellis was not banged up. He missed Friday's game to a DQ that wasn't initially reported as a DQ. Sheen is week to week, Madsen done for year, Gould out indefinitely.
Ellis was not banged up. He missed Friday's game to a DQ that wasn't initially reported as a DQ. Sheen is week to week, Madsen done for year, Gould out indefinitely.
FYI For anyone attending the Friday Merrimack/Lowell game: here is a legend from UML Athletics that outlines the road closings:
<a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/masl/sports/m-hockey/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/WinterFestDirections2012.pdf">WinterFestDirections2012</a>
Yuppie Scum
New member
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
And neither can hold up to the high academic and social standards of Lowell, I suppose. (FSU Rejects)
And neither can hold up to the high academic and social standards of Lowell, I suppose. (FSU Rejects)
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
Glad we got that straightened out.
Patman
Rodent of Unusual Size
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
That wasn't nice, Monty.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joyce
Glad we got that straightened out.
That wasn't nice, Monty.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joyce
Re: #8 Merrimack / #12 Maine @ #7 UML -- Feb 10/11
How about some actual game talk?
Goal: Cannata has been a rock in net for the Warriors for a couple of years now. Has been in the Hobey conversation, especially given MC's early season undefeated run. Current 2.24 GAA is 2nd in HE. Carr has been a revelation this year. The soph. leads HE in GAA (2.0), 1st in winning % and 2nd in save % (.930). Goaltending had to be a big question mark coming into this year for the Riverhawks, and Carr has answered that question with an A+ season so far.
Defense: MC leads HE in team defense, and this group combines with Canatta to get it done. Stollery is excellent, and Heywood and Ellis are very very solid. Bigos has the size and skill to be a force (and he can be) but you can get under his skin and bait him into bad penalties (leads HE in penalty minutes). If Bennedetto is reffing, he's good for at least a couple. Don't know much about UML's d, but everything I hear about Ruwedel is positive. Same with Furlong (both of whom seem to have raised their games significantly since last year)
Forwards: MC's are a bit "offensively challenged". Solid defensively (Flanigan especially). Some good speed (Bates can flat out fly), and frosh Myers looks like he is going to be a good one. Losses of Madsen and Sheen, both seniors, really hurts. Flanigan, Todd and Velleca looked like they clicked in the UMass game. UML has a ton of offensive depth (8 forwards with 13 or more points in HE games (MC has 3). Scott Wilson has the ROTY all but locked up.
UML has been lights out at Tsongas (8-1) while MC has been solid on the road (7-2-1). As much as it pains me to say it, I think this one goes to the Riverhawks, 3-1.
How about some actual game talk?
Goal: Cannata has been a rock in net for the Warriors for a couple of years now. Has been in the Hobey conversation, especially given MC's early season undefeated run. Current 2.24 GAA is 2nd in HE. Carr has been a revelation this year. The soph. leads HE in GAA (2.0), 1st in winning % and 2nd in save % (.930). Goaltending had to be a big question mark coming into this year for the Riverhawks, and Carr has answered that question with an A+ season so far.
Defense: MC leads HE in team defense, and this group combines with Canatta to get it done. Stollery is excellent, and Heywood and Ellis are very very solid. Bigos has the size and skill to be a force (and he can be) but you can get under his skin and bait him into bad penalties (leads HE in penalty minutes). If Bennedetto is reffing, he's good for at least a couple. Don't know much about UML's d, but everything I hear about Ruwedel is positive. Same with Furlong (both of whom seem to have raised their games significantly since last year)
Forwards: MC's are a bit "offensively challenged". Solid defensively (Flanigan especially). Some good speed (Bates can flat out fly), and frosh Myers looks like he is going to be a good one. Losses of Madsen and Sheen, both seniors, really hurts. Flanigan, Todd and Velleca looked like they clicked in the UMass game. UML has a ton of offensive depth (8 forwards with 13 or more points in HE games (MC has 3). Scott Wilson has the ROTY all but locked up.
UML has been lights out at Tsongas (8-1) while MC has been solid on the road (7-2-1). As much as it pains me to say it, I think this one goes to the Riverhawks, 3-1.