Falmouth, MA - The Central Maine Mustangs Men's Ice Hockey team traveled to Falmouth, Massachusetts Sunday to take on Mass Maritime. The Mustangs were looking to avenge a loss earlier in the season, and despite two hard fought periods, the Mustangs fell short in the third, 9-6.
The Mustangs continued their streak of getting ahead on their opponents again Sunday taking a 2-1 lead into the locker room after the first period. Coach Poulin has been very happy with the first period the Mustangs have been able to put together and added this; "I think we have been doing a good job of getting ahead early and getting a lot of pressure on our opponents. We focus on coming out with an aggressive fore-check to force turnovers and our speed plays a huge role in that."
The Mustangs opened the second period scoring in the opening shift to get ahead
3-1. Mass Maritime responded with three goals of their own to take 4-3 lead late in the second period as the Mustangs second period struggles continued. "After the first period, we knew Mass Maritime would come out flying. I told the team to expect that intensity in the second period, especially in front of their home fans. They weren't going to lay down, especially with the talent they have." Poulin stated. The Mustangs finished the period with two quick goals to take a big 5-4 lead into the third period.
In the first five minutes of the final frame, Mass Maritime scored two goals to quickly take a 6-5 lead, which the Mustangs later tied back up at 6-6. Just under half way through the period, Mass Maritime scored three goals in a span of about six or seven minutes to seal the victory. "We fought hard but we have to learn that if we don't play three full periods against a team like that, they are going to beat us. We have a lot of potential to win games, but we have to see the mission through and capitalize on opportunities. The formula is simple: when we do not play our defensive zone coverage, we get exposed, as we should. We are disappointed but we have to learn from this and move on.
The Mustangs now head on winter break and will return to action in mid-January.
