ORONO- Charlie Russell netted a first period game winning goal, Justin Poirier scored twice, and Albin Boija recorded his third shutout of the season in net on Saturday night as #15 Maine men’s hockey blanked Lindenwood University 5-0 in non-conference action at Alfond Arena.
Russell got the only one that was needed, sweeping in a backhander from the low slot at 4:16 of the opening period. The Black Bears had the first 17 shots on goal, and would extend their lead on the powerplay at 6:40. The play was started by a hard shot to the net by Poirier. Sully Scholle was in the right place at the right time, collecting the rebound from his backhand to his forehand to slide it into the net. The Lions tightened up the shots on goal and had more chances in the second period, but Boija stood tall. On another Maine powerplay late in the stanza, Poirier sent home a laser from the high slot just 10 seconds into the extra man opportunity to make it 3-0 at 18:55. A beautiful play resulted in the second goal of the night for Poirier in the third. On an abbreviated Black Bears powerplay, Poirier caused a turnover in the Lindenwood zone. He quickly got the puck to Miguel Marques in the low slot, who then returned it back to Poirier in the left circle for the one-timer that found twine at 5:04. Just 31 seconds later, freshman Lukas Peterson scored his first collegiate goal. Will Gerrior had the puck just inside the Lions blue line, was tripped, but was able to keep it long enough on his stick to get it to Peterson streaking into the slot. Peterson deeked from left to right and tucked it under the left pad of Lindenwood netminder Liam Beerman to cap off the scoring.
Beerman made 46 saves in the loss for Lindenwood (Saint Charles, Missouri) as they were outshot 51-28. The Lions, who are an independent and have no conference affiliation, went 0-4 on the powerplay in falling to 8-7 on the season. Along with the two goals and one assist from Poirier, Scholle (one goal, one assist) and Josh Nadeau (two assists) also added two points each for Maine. Gerrior, Marques, Brandon Holt, Luke Coughlin, and Oskar Komarov would contribute one assist a piece. The shutout by Boija is the ninth of his career. The Black Bears (10-7-1) for a second straight game went 3-6 on the powerplay. Maine and Lindenwood, who were meeting for the first ever time on Saturday night, will finish off their two games series on Sunday at 4 p.m.
