rovidence, RI.-- The Merrimack College men's ice hockey team fell in their return to the ice after a weekend off as they were defeated by the Providence College Friars by a score of 3-2 on Friday night at Schneider Arena.
Merrimack (13-17-1, 9-11-1): 2, Providence (19-8-5, 8-7-5 HEA): 3
In the first, Merrimack would jump out to a lead before the first TV timeout as
Caden Cranston scored his third goal in two games slamming home a rebound from a
Ryan O'Connell shot at 5:18 of the period. The Warriors killed off a Providence powerplay and
Max Lundgren stopped all 10 shots he faced in the opening frame.
In the second, Providence appeared to tie the game early, but the officials waived off the tying goal due to contact with
Max Lundgren. Three minutes later
Caden Cranston came up big again to double the lead at 7:35 of the period. Providence pulled the lead back to one with just over three minutes to go in the period, and it appeared that the Warriors would re-establish the two goal lead, but it was chalked off after review, and Providence tied the game in the final minute with a shorthanded goal on an odd man rush.
Providence was awarded a powerplay in the first two minutes of the third period and scored their third goal unanswered to take the lead. Merrimack was awarded their second powerplay of the night in the final five minutes, but were unable to convert and the Friars took the victory.
Notes and Numbers:
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Caden Cranston scored his sixth and seventh goal of the season, he's also scored the last four goals for Merrimack in their last two games.
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Ryan O'Connell,
Caelan Fitzpatrick and
Ivan Zivlak all had assists.
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Max Lundgren made 29 saves.
UP NEXT: The Warriors return home as they face Providence tomorrow at 7 PM at Lawler Arena.
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