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University of Maine 2024–2025: Freel-ing good

USA beats Canada and Bradly Nadeau scores the only goal for Canada. Wish he had stayed 1 more year. Look at Ryan Leonard coming back for a second year and I'd argue he's a much better all around player. Hate to bring it up again but Bradly would have been a stud here this year but wasn't meant to be.
 
I'm a tad bored in the office this week so I took some time to preview this weekend. Both teams are coming off the worst result of the season, with Denver losing a shootout to a ACHA team. However, Denver is otherwise undefeated in out of conference play. They have been through a bit of a gauntlet lately and are 2-4-1 in their last 7, including road loses to top 10 teams in Western Michigan and Colorado College. Maine and DU have only played one common opponent this year, but it happened to be in back to back weeks.

Denver hosted Northeastern on 10/18 and 10/19 with matching 5-2 wins.
Maine traveled to Northeastern the following weekend and won 4-1 then tied 2-2.

It's hard to draw too many conclusions from one data point from October, but it matches my general thoughts that Denver is probably the better team but Maine can play with anybody when we are on our game. I'm hoping for an Alfond bump and at least a split.
 
While playing in Portland isn't exactly Fortress Alfond, there were over 5,800 butts in seats for a game against an Atlantic Hockey team. And I'd wager the vast majority of those fans are not regularly making the trek up to Orono. Maine needs to stay connected with the largest city/biggest economic engine in the state, as well as the sizeable (and younger) alumni base in the area. I'm not sure that Bentley while the students are on break would be a huge draw to Orono. As a one off in Portland in front of fans who get to go to one game per year? Great use of an AHA game.

Ideally, would Maine win more of these Portland games? Sure. But as has been pointed out here, the NCAA regionals aren't exactly played at Alfond. Most recent games in Portland:

12/29/24: Bentley L 4-2 5,893
12/9/23: Bentley W 3-2 6,291
11/27/21: UMass-Lowell L 2-0 4,176
1/4/20: Omaha W 3-2 3,900
1/7/19: Yale W 4-3 4,304

3-2-0 in the last five games. Attendance is at or above Alfond levels.
 
UnMcGovernable said:
Who's got a prediction for tonight? I say Maine 4-3 and Scholle gets a goal.
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I think a split is the most likely outcome, not sure who wins which night. If you made me pick I would say probably Maine tonight and DU tomorrow. In any event, I am back in Orono for my first games at Alfond Arena in almost three years, and I am incredibly excited. Hoping for some great games.
 
amkirby10 said:
I think a split is the most likely outcome, not sure who wins which night. If you made me pick I would say probably Maine tonight and DU tomorrow. In any event, I am back in Orono for my first games at Alfond Arena in almost three years, and I am incredibly excited. Hoping for some great games.
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I also think it's a split. Maine seems to play a touch better on Fridays. Let us know how many students are around when you head to campus.
 
UnMcGovernable said:
Who's got a prediction for tonight?
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Prediction for the fight? Pain.

Student section is almost full 30 minutes before faceoff.

Guy in front of me is being interviewed by WABI.

I see the NCAA banner hasn't been updated.

Tempted to buy a Pellerin jersey this weekend...I assume I won't get fined by the kangaroo court for wearing a retired number this time.
 
In general, I thought Maine played pretty well. They had a fast start and were clearly ready to play. The quantity of Denver chances I didn't think was that high, but the quality certainly was, with a pair of breakways and a terrible D zone turnover. Thankfully Boija was rock solid (again). I dont want to pick on him too hard, but Antonacci really needs to step up his game going forward tonight, he struggled in the first period.
 
Josh.is really checked out it seems, like he has no urgency. Doing skate bys and cant stay on the puck.
Hope he snaps out of it
 
amkirby10 said:
In general, I thought Maine played pretty well. They had a fast start and were clearly ready to play. The quantity of Denver chances I didn't think was that high, but the quality certainly was, with a pair of breakways and a terrible D zone turnover. Thankfully Boija was rock solid (again). I dont want to pick on him too hard, but Antonacci really needs to step up his game going forward tonight, he struggled in the first period.
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Agreed, bad couple giveaways for #3. Arnott also fumbled a puck and gave up a breakaway. Mitton had a nice chance on a breakaway. Makar playing well through UNH the body around. I think Maine needs to just work the boards hard in the ozone to keep Denver from gaining speed entering the neutral zone. They are FAST bringing the puck through and into Maines zone. #37 got turned a couple times.
 
grooverider said:
These TV timeouts and breaks are ridiculous with these nationally televised games
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Every game is nationally televised now. ESPN+ has the same TVTO schedule. First non-icing whistles after 15, 10 and 6 remaining in each period. The linesman has a stick up his butt on faceoffs though. Just drop the puck already, pinhead!
 
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