Durham, N.H.– New Hampshire ran out to a 3-0 second period lead then the Black Bears scored a goal late in the second period to begin a comeback bid, the goal was by Spencer Abbott. Maine scored again five minutes into the third period, again Spencer Abbott but the two goals were not enough to complete the impressive comeback. Senior UNH goaltender, Matt  Di Girolamo, made 33 saves in a strong performance late to hold onto to the game for the Wildcats. New Hampshire won their fourth straight game to even their record up at 4-4-1 after starting the season 0-4. Maine dropped to 3-4-1 on the season and had a very unsuccessful road trip south losing to Boston College on Friday night and UNH Saturday.

What I saw

-Maine used speed, skill, and finesse to keep UNH on its toes all night. The third period, even though the shots were in favor of New Hampshire, was dominated by Maine as the Black Bears carried play from the neutral zone into the UNH zone most of it. Maine attempted 21 shots in the third, only five of them making their way through. Maine just could not bury the third and tying goal, the one they seemingly needed on the weekend.

-UNH struggled possessing the puck in many cases. The defense did a great job of blocking shots and keeping shots to the outside.UNH often struggled just getting into the Maine zone but New Hampshire was very opportunistic on the night and buried three of the opportunities given to them.

What I thought

-Maine handled the pressure of playing in front of a packed house at the Whitemore Center really well, outshooting New Hampshire 13-11 in the first period. For large portions of the game Maine carried the play on the Wildcats but just could not solve Matt Di Girolamo. The response after the third UNH goal was phenomenal. Maine would come back to within one goal only to be stifled by a strong performance by New Hampshire goalie, Matt Di Girolamo.

-UNH came out strong, as expected in front of the large crowd, and scored an early goal off the stick of freshman Jay Camper on a pretty feed from Kevin Goumas behind the net. The depth continues to show up in Durham as Camper became the 14^th player to score a goal for UNH this season. New Hampshire was very opportunistic in the game and used a spirited performance from Matt Di Girolamo to back bone the win.

What they said

“It was a great hockey game of course we didn’t like the result, said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. “I thought we played well and had an opportunity to win. I especially liked our response to the 3-0 deficit.”

Umile said, “This is huge for us and we had a great opportunity in this game. Matt Di Girolamo was on his game. This is as good as we have played, Maine is a great team. We are back in the hunt but of course there is always room to improve.

UNH goalie Matt Di Girolamo said, “They are an unbelievable team. They are fast, strong, and have great goal scorers. Our forwards found a way to put the puck in the net and played very well defensively.

Maine forward Spencer Abbott said, “We had our chances early on but failed to convert. We played well enough to win tonight but just couldn’t finish it. Getting down 3-0 was tough and we came up short.

What they didn’t say

Greg Burke missed his second game in a row tonight with a sickness but in the lineup in lieu of him was freshman Jay Camper. The freshman has been all over the ice for UNH in the last two games and it is going to give Umile a big decision in the coming days as he makes his lineup for next weekend against Vermont.  Camper gives New Hampshire a feisty fourth liner that works hard on both the offensive and defensive side of the puck. The look he got this weekend was an impressive one and it might be hard for Umile to take him out of the lineup.

What else you should know

New Hampshire has won four straight games, all of which at home. The defense is slowly improving in Durham and the offense has come together. New Hampshire returns to action next Saturday, for its lone game of the weekend, on the road against the University of Vermont. Vermont is struggling of sorts but Vermont always plays UNH well and will be looking for a rebound after a rough weekend at Providence.

Maine looks to rebound at home next weekend against Umass-Lowell. Lowell is coming off a huge 7-1 victory against Boston University. Maine has three victories in four games at Alfond arena and will be looking for a huge weekend.

Monday, November 7th, 2011 - 12:07 am | Hockey East, Notes, Thoughts, Ramblings