A timely snowstorm and the consequent ice-capades may have put a cabash to Monday’s classes. Fortunately for the life of Husky sports, particularly the men’s hockey team, the only signs of snowballing have come from Monday’s snowstorm.
The vague reference isn’t toward winter’s pastime – I’m talking about a bad incident growing larger and larger. Picking up steam as it rolls along, this kind of snowball can get too large and too heavy for any person (or team) to handle.
Call it what you will – the dominos phenomena, Murphy’s Law, etc. It’s what happens when a hot team is suddenly de-railed, shot down from its high plateau and given an honest helping of humble.
There was a glimpse of it Friday in North Andover when Northeastern and the rest of Hockey East was “stunned” by unranked Merrimack’s toppling of the then No. 7 Huskies, 4-2. Adding to their stunning win was the method behind the madness; scoring three goals in the final period.
The loss stinks. It snapped the 9-0-2 streak – then the longest in the nation, and most likely the longest anyone living on Huntington Avenue has ever seen. The recent streak of Warrior dominance, not having lost to Merrimack since 2004, was also snapped. The four goals allowed were the most since a 7-4 loss Nov. 2 to then No. 4 New Hampshire.
“Obviously, in the back of our minds was the streak,” said junior captain Joe Vitale. “To break the 1980 record of 12 (unbeaten) games in a row by a Husky team. We were thinking of that Friday night, and we had a clunker game.”
Am I dwelling?
On the bright side, the Huskies stormed back the next day in the little barn on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and St. Botolph Street. Riding the strength of goalie Brad Thiessen’s 22 saves (earning him his first shutout of the season), the Huskies avoided two straight losses and regained the footing against a team they should have pummeled.
More importantly, the concept of “snowball” never surfaced. There was never any panic either.
“The next morning we came into our meeting and we figured out a plan,” Vitale said. “We did what we had to do.”
What they had to do was win – what they have been doing all season which is the delight of Husky fans. What may be the most disappointing loss thus far was quickly forgotten; overshadowed by the character of a talented and determined hockey team.
“It was a great win, to rebound like that,” Vitale said. “We really haven’t lost in a while, and it’s always important to see how we’ll react to a loss like that. It can be devastating. But the win showed our character. It’s good to see that we can lose and bounce right back the next night.”
Granted, a split against Merrimack is not on par with how they’ve played so far this season. However, it was a test of something greater. By showing some mettle, regaining focus and remaining calm, this young squad gave a glimpse of some playoff cool normally characteristic of a reserved veteran. Vitale mentioned this importance, citing a possibility of being down in a playoff series, but remaining cool and collected.
And, with the ever dominant, always important Beanpot tournament in less than a month – well, it’s always a good idea to remain cool and collected.
With the tournament looming, the men’s team can’t be in better shape. The streak is done and it’s time to start another. Yes, we’ve dropped two spots in the polls (from No. 7 to No. 9) but we’re still higher than all the other tourney rivals. We’re on the top, looking down. And judging from this past weekend, the team can play hard to stay that way.
Lastly, while the streak may be over, there is still plenty left to the season. Case in point: that 1980 team who set the record with 12-straight wins to start the season faded horribly down the stretch. Starting 12-0, they went 1-13 to finish with an even record.
Now, there’s a snowball worth avoiding. I think this year’s squad has learned to roll out of the way.
– Matt Foster can be reached
