NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - The Merrimack College men's hockey team seemed destined for overtime against #7/6 Boston College Friday night at Lawler Rink, but it could not convert in a 3-2 loss to the Eagles.
The Warriors fought back to within one goal of the visitors in the third period, then had a trio of glorious opportunities as the final seconds on the clock bled off, but they could not find the elusive equalizer.
The Basics
Score: 7/6 Boston College 3, Merrimack 2
Records: Merrimack (7-20-3, 5-12-3 HEAM) | Boston College (17-8-1, 11-6-0 HEAM)
Game Duration: 2:17
Attendance: 2,011
How It Happened
- Merrimack played another stellar opening period, as they held the offensive minded Eagles off the board thanks to nine saves from Jere Huhtamaa. The sides were destined for a scoreless frame, until Chase Gresock found a touch of magic. After a failed clear attempt, Patrick Holway held the zone at the right point and fired a shot towards goal. Gresock freed himself up and sensationally tipped the puck past BC goalie Spencer Knight for the icebreaker.
- The top-10 nationally ranked Eagles turned momentum around in the second stanza and struck twice to take a one-goal advantage heading into the concluding period.
- Boston College's power play made life even more difficult for the Warriors in the third, as Alex Newhook scored with the extra man just under four minutes in.
- Just under 10 minutes later, as another Eagle power play expired, the Warriors found a way back in the game. Regan Kimens came flying into the defensive zone and knocked the puck free to Liam Walsh. The freshman classmate returned the puck to Kimens, who came flying into the offensive zone on the right wing. Kimens unleased a wrist shot that snuck under the bar and over the shoulder of Knight to narrow the deficit to one.
- Merrimack enjoyed a late power play, but could not convert. Then, with time thin, the Warriors had a few great chances, including two point blank opportunities for Sami Tavernier, but Knight held it out.
Notes & Numbers
- Friday was the first time Tavernier has been held without a point since Jan. 17 against Boston University. It broke a point streak of seven games that tied a career high.
- Holway is now on a three-game point streak and has tallied one goal and three assists during the streak. It's his second such streak of the season.
- Huhtamaa has now started the past four games in net and made 29 saves on the evening.
- Gresock led the Warriors with a +2 rating.
Team IMPACT Night
The Warriors held their annual Team IMPACT Night Friday. The program connects children battling serious or chronic illnesses with college athletic teams, forming lifelong bonds and life-changing outcomes. Caleb Hassan, who has been matched with the team since January of 2018, performed the ceremonial puck drop to begin the evening.
Up Next
The Warriors and Eagles finish their home-and-home Saturday afternoon when Merrimack heads down to Chestnut Hill and Conte Forum. Puck drop is set for 4:30 pm and the game will be broadcast regionally on NESN.