March 15, 2008

Box Score

Rochester, N.Y. - So often its been said that momentum is key to playoff success. Saturday in Rochester, N.Y., in the semifinals of the Atlantic Hockey Final Five, the fifth-seeded Mercyhurst men's ice hockey team certainly had momentum on its side, scoring two goals in the third period for a 4-2 upset win over top-seeded Army and a trip to the AH championship game.

The Lakers' (15-18-7) four goals came against the league's stingiest defense and the conference player and goaltender of the year in Josh Kassel. Entering Saturday's game, Army had a 1.92 goals against average and had allowed more than three goals just once in its last 18 games. But the Lakers--playing in their second game in under 24 hours--totaled four goals for the third time in four playoff games.

"Being the fifth seed, things were against us coming into the tournament," said juniorMatt Pierce. "But this league is so tight that it doesn't matter where you are seeded. Playoff hockey is all about momentum, and it probably helped us playing early."

Seemingly, Army came into the tournament as the league's hottest team, having won five-straight games and 13 of its last 15. But Mercyhurst improved its season record to 3-0 over the Black Knights with Saturday's win and in those three games, the Lakers have totaled 11 goals.

For the second-straight night, Pierce gave the Lakers a 1-0 lead on a power play goal. His 13th of the season came at the 7:29 mark when Pierce deflected Matt Fennell's shot between the legs of Kassel. Brett Robinson also assisted on the play.

"It was definitely nice to get that first goal," said Pierce. "Our power play is working really well and I was just able to get a stick on the puck. That early lead is so important to get."

Army answered seven minutes later on a goal that was briefly debated before officials signaled it good. However, the Lakers snatched the lead right back using one a key bounce that seemingly went the Lakers' way all evening.

On a breakaway, Mike Gurtler fired a shot that bounced off the crossbar, off Kassel's back and then into the goal. Neil Graham and Bobby Phillips were credited with the assist.

Army retied the game using a five-on-three advantage early in the second period, but the Lakers received another fortunate break with two seconds left in the period. An Army shot hit the post, bounced to the ice and settled inches from the line, but no rebound attempt could be made as the horn signaled the end of the period.

It didn't take long for the Lakers to capitalize in the third. Twenty-five seconds in, playing a man down, Chris Risi's slap shot deflected off the skate of Nick Vandenbeld and into the goal for a 3-2 lead and the game-winner. Neil Graham added an insurance goal five minutes later.

Matt Lundin was once again stellar in goal, making 36 saves, including 18 in a physical and back-and-forth second period. Kassel, Lundin's counterpart, stopped 23 of 27 shots.

With the win, the Lakers return to the Atlantic Hockey Championship for the first time since winning it in 2005. Mercyhurst, as a No. 5 seed, is also the lowest to ever play for the conference title.

The Lakers will face the Air Force, which defeated RIT 5-0 in the semifinals at 7:05 p.m. from Blue Cross Arena. The game can be watched on the B2 Networks and radio coverage will be provided by WMCE. Tickets for the championship can be purchased at the door.