The Merrimack College men’s ice hockey team advanced to the Hockey East Championship after defeating second-seeded University of Massachusetts Amherst 2-0 in the semifinals at TD Garden on March 20.
This victory allows Merrimack, seeded eighth, to become the lowest-seeded team ever to reach the Hockey East Final. The Warriors will face third-seeded University of Connecticut in the title game scheduled for Saturday at TD Garden.
Goaltender Max Lundgren played a key role in the win, recording a 24-save shutout against UMass Amherst. Lundgren’s performance included ten saves in the fourth period and marked his first shutout since October 24, which was also his first career start. He became the first goaltender to record a shutout in a Hockey East semifinal since Connor Hellebuyck did so in 2014.
Ryan O’Connell scored what would be the game-winning goal three minutes into the third period after receiving a pass from Ty Daneault and breaking away from a UMass defender. Caden Cranston added an empty-net goal late in the game, with assists from Austin Oravetz and Parker Lalonde.
Despite having three power play opportunities in the second period, Merrimack was unable to convert any into goals. The team’s defensive effort and timely scoring secured their place in the championship round.
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