ORONO — During a recent six-game winless streak, the University of Maine men’s hockey team allowed 26 goals for an average of 4.33 per game.
Since that time, the Black Bears have posted five straight victories and have allowed only three goals.
It is the lowest five-game total since the 2005-2006 Frozen Four team surrendered just three goals from Oct. 21-Nov. 4.
During the current winning streak, Maine has allowed just 64 Grade-A (high-percentage) shot attempts while generating 143.
“Everyone is aware now that if we want to go anywhere, we have to play defense first,” said sophomore center Matt Mangene. “It all starts with playing great defense in practice. Coach (Tim Whitehead) has been on us (about defense). Everyone is blocking shots like it’s a real-game atmosphere. We’ve got to get in the shooting lanes and lift sticks and box out in front of our net.”
“This is the most consistent we’ve played, defensively, so far this season,” said junior right wing Gustav Nyquist. “(Freshman goalie Dan Sullivan) is hot right now and that has helped, obviously. To play solid defense, you’ve got to clear rebounds because most goals are scored off dirty rebounds. And we’ve been eliminating rebound shots. The defensemen are doing a tremendous job of that.”
Senior defenseman Josh Van Dyk said it takes all five guys to play good defense.
“The forwards have been coming back and that makes things a lot easier for us. And (Sullivan) has been great,” he said.
Senior defenseman Jeff Dimmen said the team is committed to playing thorough team defense and they have simplified their game.
“The forwards have been doing a good job not turning the puck over and fueling the (opponents’) transition. We’re not playing as high-risk as we were. We’re playing a little safer game and it’s helping us,” added Dimmen.
Senior defenseman Mike Banwell said the focus entering the postseason has to be on defense.
“We know we can put the puck in the net so now it’s just a matter of stopping the other team from doing it. We’ve been trying to emphasize to the guys that it really is crunch time and we can’t wait to do it in the next game or the game after that. We’ve got to get after it now,” said Banwell.
Maine’s penalty-killing has been another key component as the Bears haven’t allowed a power-play goal over the past four games (22-for-22).
“We’ve been working real hard in practice on it,” said Nyquist. “We’ve been staying back a little more (in the defensive zone) and staying in shooting lanes. We’ve blocked a lot of shots.”
Maine blocked 22 shots in the two wins over No. 4 Merrimack College this past weekend.
They were limited to just 34 shots on goal in the two games combined and Sullivan was required to make only eight Grade-A (high-percentage) saves.
Sullivan breaks idol’s record
Sullivan broke the school shutout minutes record previously owned by current Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard. He went 202:49 without allowing a goal until Jeff Velleca scored for Merrimack. Howard’s previous mark was 193:45.
“Jimmy Howard was one of my idols,” said Sullivan. “I didn’t realize what the record was. The most important thing was getting the win. My main concern was just to focus on playing in the present and worry about one shot at a time. That’s the key to success in the long run…having a short memory regardless of if you have a shutout streak or let in a bad goal.
“It’s important to forget about the past and the future and stay in the present,” he added.
He credited his teammates for making the record possible.
“They have been phenomenal. Every single one of them,” said Sullivan, who has won the last four games and is now 9-5-1 with a 2.28 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.
Nyquist gives inspirational speech
Nyquist, an assistant captain, gave an inspirational pre-game speech before Friday’s 4-0 victory over Merrimack.
“He really rallied the troops,” said Dimmen. “He said to play for the (five) seniors because they’ve meant so much to this program for four years. He really inspired all the guys and I thought everyone played well.”
Van Dyk had emotional night
Seniors Night on Saturday was an emotional one for Van Dyk.
“I was fine all day until I got to the rink. Before the game, I couldn’t sit still,” said Van Dyk. “I had the shakes. It was like I was playing my first game all over again. After I got a couple of shifts under my belt, I calmed down. It was pretty emotional. I had to rush through (my thanks to) my parents (Ken and Margaret) during my (post-game) speech so I didn’t break down,” said Van Dyk. “It meant a lot to get two wins on Seniors Weekend.”