Despite Mother Nature's best efforts to postpone the UNE-Franklin Pierce game a third time, the teams finally took the ice on Tuesday as scheduled even with snow falling in Biddeford. The UNE hockey team responded with perhaps its finest effort of the season.
With two of their top scorers and their starting goaltender in street clothes, the Nor'easters nevertheless skated to a 6-4 victory over the Ravens. It was their fourth win of the year, surpassing last year's total of three. It was also probably their best win in terms of outplaying the opposition. Outside of a few breakdowns, UNE largely dictated the play. The team logged 54 shots on goal while limiting Franklin Pierce to only 23, both season bests.
Paul Kashmanian scored twice to lead the hosts, who also got goals from Mike Tiano, Ted Fabian, and Tyler Fleurent plus an empty-net clincher from Scott McManaman. Many of the goal scorers were able to capitalize on the fine passing of their teammates, as they were set up by some of UNE's best puck movement of the season.
Things did get a little dicey at the end, as two quick penalties left UNE shorthanded for the last 1:40. The Ravens scored on the ensuing 5-on-3 power play, but the Nor'easters were able to prevent further damage. Despite the disparity in shots, Franklin Pierce was able to hang around thanks to two first period goals that Connor Brogan probably should have stopped.
The game also stayed close partly because of missed opportunities. In the middle frame, the Nor'easters had several excellent chances to extend the 3-2 lead they held after one period. Repeatedly catching the Ravens in the middle of long changes, the Nor'easters generated a number of odd man rushes, but only converted when Zach Lokey, fresh off the bench after a penalty's expiration, took an Adam Laite feed and set up Fleurent's score, which made it 4-2.
Even though the non-conference win doesn't count towards the ECAC East standings, UNE deserves credit. Sure, the 5-17 Ravens aren't too good, but the Nor'easters were able to rebound from Saturday's stinker against Castleton and take it to their foes. Really, that's about all anyone could ask, especially since key contributors Sean Sullivan, Jack Nolin and Mike Roper were given the night off. Now, the Nor'easters will visit NESCAC cellar dweller Tufts on Friday with a great shot to make it two Ws in a row.
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