No. 8 Gophers fall, 3-2, to No. 18 Merrimack in Mariucci Classic

Joined
Aug 27, 2013
Messages
53
Reaction score
0
Points
6
After dominating early and jumping out to a 1-0 lead, the Golden Gophers had a couple gaffs that allowed No. 18 Merrimack to capitalize. For the second year in a row, Minnesota lost their opening game of the Mariucci Classic, a 3-2 defeat, despite outshooting the Warriors, 42-17.

“We did a lot of good things today,” said Don Lucia. “When you outshoot somebody 42-17, most night’s you’re going to win. We just couldn’t score. They played well, they blocked shots, they were opportunistic.”

First Period
Although they were without Hudson Fasching, Leon Bristedt, Ryan Collins, and Brady Skjei, the Gophers came out flying from the drop of the puck. After a long layoff like they’ve had, it was good to see them dominate early. After a ton of sustained time in the offensive zone, Minnesota was rewarded as Michael Brodzinski rifled a shot from the top of the circle past the goaltender.

The Gophers continued their strong play but Merrimack was able to capitalize on a defensive breakdown that turned into a partial breakaway. I didn’t get a good look at how the play developed but Justin Kloos was the only man back; not good.

Late in the first period, Justin Kloos got absolutely ROBBED. He picked up a rebound, looked to have the entire net but Rasmus Tirronen snagged it. Everyone (except the players on the ice) thought it had to be a goal; even the pep band started playing the Rouser. Kloos is a goal-scorer and rarely misses a perfect chance like that. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see that play on SportsCenter tonight. After the game, Merrimack head coach Mark Dennehy commented that it was the best save he’d ever seen. The Gophers were also impressed.

“We were sitting on the bench celebrating then all of a sudden we go, ‘Oh…oh crap,’” said Connor Reilly. “That was a big-time save.”

Tirronen was the story of the game, making 40 saves and keeping his team in front.

“He’s done that for them all year long,” said Lucia of Tirronen’s save. “He’s made those big saves.”

Second Period
Heading into the break, it felt like the Gophers were still in control despite the tied score. They had allowed only five shots while peppering Tirronen with 10 thanks to some lengthy possessions in the offensive zone. Unfortunately, the Warriors would take the lead with two goals in the second. On a one-on-one, the puck tipped off Ben Marshall’s stick and fluttered past Wilcox. The other goal came when Mike Reilly got flat-footed and let the forward get between him and the net. Both were really frustrating to watch.

Merrimack had just seven shots on net in the second but made it count when they had the opportunity. It was maddening that the Gophers couldn’t score in the second, especially on their three powerplay opportunities.

Third Period
In the third, the Gophers were finally able to find the back of the net on a blast by Connor Reilly.

“He can shoot; that’s his strength,” said Lucia of Reilly. “His play’s improving as the year’s gone on and we’re rewarding him with more ice time and playing with our top players.”

Despite a number of chances late, including with an empty net, the Gophers were unable to tally the equalizer. Even though the loss was disappointing, the team felt like they played well; something they were hoping to do coming out of the holiday break.

“Obviously winning is very important but at the end of the day, we want to play our game, we want to control the play,” said Connor Reilly.

By the Numbers
4 Powerplay opportunities for the Gophers, none of which resulted in a goal.

19 Shots in the third period for Minnesota as they peppered Tirronen but could only muster one score.

66 Percent of the way to an all Reilly goal. Mike assisted on Connor’s score; now we just need Ryan to get the other assist on that for the “Reilly from Reilly and Reilly” announcement.

Three Stars of the Game
#3 Connor Reilly blasted home his eighth of the year.
#2 Rasmus Tirronen made 40 saves for Merrimack.
#1 Brett Seney scored the game-winner for the Warriors.

What’s Next
Minnesota now will play RIT, tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. in the Mariucci Classic consolation game. UMass Lowell dominated RIT, 7-3, and will play Merrimack for the Mariucci Classic title at 4:00. There’s a chance we could see the return of Fasching and Collins as Team USA was ousted from the WJC earlier today. They should be getting back into the Twin Cities tomorrow afternoon and both have a possibility of playing, said Lucia.
 

Our defensive breakdowns have been epidemic over Lucia's time here. If you are a defenseman, you cannot forward to have playing in your own end be your weakness, but too often that is the case with the Don's guys.
 




Top Bottom