The University of Maine's men's ice hockey team dominated Lindenwood in a 5-0 victory at the Alfond Arena on Saturday night. The game was a showcase of the team's offensive prowess and strong goaltending. With a three-point night from Justin Poirier and a 28-save shutout from Albin Boija, the Black Bears secured a sold-out arena and a significant win in their non-conference schedule.
Charlie Russell opened the scoring early, and Sully Scholle quickly followed with a goal, making it 2-0 within three minutes. The power play proved to be a key factor, as Scholle's goal was the first of three straight power-play goals for Maine. Justin Poirier scored two goals, including one with a minute to play in the second period and another five minutes into the third, showcasing his versatility and scoring ability. Lukas Peterson capped the scoring with his first career goal, just 31 seconds after Poirier's second goal.
The game statistics highlighted Maine's dominance, with a 51-28 lead in shots on goal and a 3-for-6 power play success rate, while the Lions struggled with a 0-for-4 power play record. Albin Boija's 28 saves earned him his 40th career win and the team's second shutout of the season, solidifying his position as a top goaltender.
This win marked the first time Maine has faced Lindenwood, and the team now holds an all-time series record of 1-0-0. Justin Poirier's consistent performance, recording three points in two consecutive games, and his seventh multi-point game of the year, further cements his importance to the team. Additionally, Lukas Peterson's first career goal and Luke Coughlin's first collegiate point contributed to the team's success.
With a record of 10-7-1, Maine continues to showcase its strength and depth, and the upcoming game against Lindenwood will be a crucial test to close out the first semester. The team's performance and individual achievements have set the stage for an exciting and competitive season.
