PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Merrimack College smelled blood in the water and, like a shark, showed a killer instinct reminiscent of the blockbuster hit "Jaws."
Five first-period goals were all the Warriors needed last night, easily disposing of Providence College, 5-0, at Schneider Arena.
The Warriors swarmed all over the Friars in the first period, quickly chasing Providence starter Alex Beaudry from the net after the frame.
"We knew getting off to a quick start was a key against them," said sophomore winger Ryan Flanigan, who potted two goals. "We always try to win the first five minutes."
Providence finished with a 34-29 shot edge, but that doesn't do the score justice. Merrimack dominated.
"We can only worry about playing our game," said defenseman Kyle Bigos.
The Warriors (12-13-1 in Hockey East) still haven't clinched a playoff spot due to UMass' 5-2 win over Maine, but the Warriors can clinch their first berth since 2004 tonight at home with at least a tie, or a tie or loss by Vermont or UMass.
UMass Lowell's 5-2 win over Vermont eliminated Merrimack from possible home ice for the playoffs.
"Everyone realized what we had in our hands and we were prepared to get the job done," Bigos said. "Getting out to the lead, we showed how prepared we were to work hard ... and to hold on to that lead and play hard for the entire game proves a lot."
Joe Cannata stopped 34 shots for his second shutout of the season.
"This time of the season everything has to be dialed in, set and geared towards playoffs and we are ready for it," Bigos said. "We have things where they need to be."
Power play back in form
Merrimack's power play, ranked third in the nation, went 0 for 10 last weekend against Maine. Last night, it was back to form, netting the Warriors a pair of goals (a 2-for-5 night).
"We got into the looks we wanted to get into," said head coach Mark Dennehy. "We executed what we needed to do."
Merrimack's penalty kill also shined, killing all four Providence power plays. Kyle Bigos blocked a shot inside the last five minutes of the game, up 5-0.
"I'm just as happy with the way we finished," Dennehy said. "We had guys out there trying to block shots in a 5-0 win. That shows you we were committed to a 60-minute effort." ... Merrimack is hosting¬ Fan Appreciation Night¬ in its last regular season game as they battle for a berth in the 2010 Hockey East playoffs against Providence College tonight at 7.¬
Special prizes will be given out all night to fans, including tickets to the Hockey East playoffs, autographed items signed by the Merrimack team, Merrimack hockey merchandise, free Senior Night posters to the first 1,000 fans and a grand prize of two season tickets to the 2010-11 season.
Merrimack 5, Providence 0
at Schneider Arena, Providence College
Merrimack (15-17-1, 12-13-1 HE):5-0-0 — 5
Providence (10-20-3, 5-18-3 HE)0-0-0 — 0
First Period: 1. MC J.C. Robitaille 4 (Chris Barton, Karl Stollery), ppg, 2:23; 2. MC Joe Cucci 7 (Stephane Da Costa, Karl Stollery), ppg, 15:53; 3. MC Ryan Flanigan 4 (Fraser Allan, Pat Bowen), 16:47; 4. MC Kyle Bigos 4 (Francois Ouimet, Brandon Brodhag), 17:40; 5. MC Ryan Flanigan 5 (Kyle Bigos, Carter Madsen), 19:24.
Shots: Merrimack 15-10-4—29; Providence 10-14-10—34
Saves: MC Cannata (9-11-1): 10-14-10—34; PC Beaudry (9-18-3) 10-x-x—10; Gates x-14-4—18
Power play: Merrimack 2 for 5; Providence 0 for 4
Attendance: 1,309
Next: Hosts Providence tonight, 7 p.m.
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