March 7, 2008

Stats |  Photo Gallery 

Erie, Pa. - Matt Lundin used one of his best performances in a Laker uniform at the right time as the junior netminder stopped 41 shots in a Mercyhurst 4-1 victory over Canisius in Game 1 of the Atlantic Hockey Quarterfinals on Friday night at the Ice Center. Mercyhurst improved to 12-18-7, while Canisius dropped to 11-19-6.

After a scoreless first period, the Lakers seemed to gel immediately after Lundin made an unbelievable save on a one-timed, 2-on-1 break for the Griffs, who robbed Derek Danowski glove-side. Minutes after that save, junior Brett Robinson put the Lakers on the scoreboard with an even-strength marker assisted by Matt Pierce and Cullen Eddy.

Although the shots were a close 13-10 MC advantage in the second period, the Lakers lit the lamp twice, with tallies from Chris Risi and Pierce. Jesse Echternach and Eddy were the helpers on the Risi goal, while Robinson and Ben Cottreau assisted on Pierce's goal.

Canisius finally broke through Lundin in the third period on a one-timer through the slot by Jason Weeks.

A key play by Neil Graham set up Mercyhurst's fourth goal, scored by Mike Gurtler assisted by Dan Bremner and Graham. Graham stole the puck away from a Canisius player in the Griffs' territory and backhanded the puck to Bremner, who passed it to Gurtler.

Canisius outshot Mercyhurst 42-35. Lundin made 41 saves, including several one-timers, while his counterpart, Andrew Loewen, stopped 31 shots.

Mercyhurst went 1-for-5 on the power play, while Canisius was 1-for-9. The Lakers killed two separate 5-on-3 occasions.

Mercyhurst head coach, Rick Gotkin, was pleased with his team's performance: "It was a good win, but we haven't accomplished anything yet. We need to bounce back tomorrow night against a very good Canisius team. Matt Lundin was excellent tonight. Our penalty killers played well and was the difference in the game.

For Lundin, it was his fifth 40+ save performance of the season and first since a 45-save effort against RIT on Feb. 22. One of those performances was a 50+ save effort (51, at RIT on Nov. 17).

Mercyhurst will try to advance to the AHA Semifinals with a victory on Saturday night. For Canisius, it is a must-win. Face-off is set for 7:05 p.m. Saturday, as is Sunday's, if necessary.