Underdog Merrimack battles UConn's explosive offense in a thrilling Hockey East Championship. Can the Warriors' surprising playoff run continue?
If you had asked people at the start of the season who their picks for the Hockey East Championship game were, University of Connecticut would have been thrown around. However, Merrimack would not have been a common selection. However, as the saying goes, once you make the playoffs, anything can happen. That is exactly the mentality that has propelled the Warriors to the Hockey East Championship.
Merrimack has had a ridiculous run to get to this point, knocking off the top two seeds. The Warriors stunned No. 1 Providence in overtime on March 14 and shut out the University of Massachusetts last night. Goaltender Max Lundgren has been on point, allowing two goals on 60 shots through those two victories. Lundgren has played an astounding 2,214 minutes or over 36 hours this season! It's no surprise he will be heading to Boston Bruins Development Camp this summer. There isn't one player that shines above the rest for Merrimack. The Warriors' motto of "Survive and Advance" coupled with their deep and scrappy roster has gotten them to this point. As Merrimack is not nationally ranked, a Hockey East Championship is the best chance they have of making the NCAA Tournament with an automatic bid.
On the flipside, the University of Connecticut has an incredibly dynamic offense. The Huskies are led by high flying forwards Jake Richard, Ryan Tattle and Joey Muldowney. Muldowney was already a skilled forward, but gained invaluable experience playing for the United States Collegiate Select Hockey Team at this past Spengler Cup. The San Jose Sharks draftee has three points (1 goal + 2 assists) during the Huskies' two tournament contests. Senior Ryan Tattle has also been red hot, riding a five game point streak with five points (2 goals + 3 assists).
PREDICTION
Merrimack was 0-3 against Connecticut, this regular season being outscored 13-3. However, the Warriors have tightened up defensively down the stretch, especially in the tournament going from three goals allowed in the first round to zero in the semifinal shutout. Tonight will be a battle of Connecticut's offense against Merrimack's defense. None of the regular season matchups between these two required overtime. That won't be the case this evening. I expect Joey Muldowney to be the hero in the extra frame this evening. UConn 2, Merrimack 1 OT.