Jan. 21, 2020 – The busiest 10 day stretch in the young history of the Maine Mariners is now behind them, and a much needed All-Star break is now underway, giving the players a chance to get away from the game for a few days before resuming the grind this coming weekend. Last week’s grueling “8 in 10” got off to an inauspicious start when the Mariners dropped the first three games – all on home ice, but they managed points in four of the final five, for a respectable run of 3-4-1-0 over the eight. Now 32 games remain on the docket, the Mariners holding a playoff spot if the season were to end today. As January rapidly winds to an end, seven of the next 10 are on home ice, each game bigger than the last.

The week that wasTuesday, Jan. 14th – WOR: 2, MNE: 3

The Mariners were looking to avoid their sixth loss in a row, which would have been a new franchise long mark. Despite 17 first period shots, and a spirited fight between Morgan Adams-Moisan and Yanick Turcotte, the Mariners found themselves trailing 1-0 until late into the 2nd when Ted Hart’s power play goal tied the game. Worcester immediately regained their lead, however and carried a 2-1 advantage into the third. The Mariners power play saved the day when Adams-Moisan and Wallin scored back-to-back to steal a 3-2 win and end the losing skid.

Wednesday, Jan. 15th – MNE: 4, ADK: 1

In a quick turnaround, the Mariners marched into Glens Falls and got their fourth win in a row at the Cool Insuring Arena. For the second straight night, it was the power play which led the lay – Alex Kile and Ty Ronning scoring with the man advantage in the third after the game was tied at one. Kile and Ronning each had two goals on the night while Francois Brassard earned the win between the pipes. The Mariners leapfrogged Adirondack for fourth place in the North Division. 

Friday, Jan. 17th – MNE: 6, BRM: 7/OT

In one of the crazier games of the season, the Mariners and Beast combined for 13 goals, as leads changed hands multiple times, and ultimately Brampton claimed a 7-6 overtime win. Eddie Matsushima scored twice for the Mariners, who had leads of 2-0, 3-1, and 6-4, as late as over halfway through the third period. Brampton’s Daniel Leavens led the Beast back with a hat trick, and David Vallorani netted the overtime winner. 

Saturday, Jan. 18th – MNE: 1, BRM: 4

Both teams played a much more concerted defensive effort, but Brampton was able to take a 4-0 lead against Francois Brassard and the Mariners, scoring two in each of the first two periods. It wasn’t until Michael McNicholas’ shorthanded goal late in the third (his first goal in 16 games) that the shutout bid of Alex Dubeau was spoiled. Mariners leading scorer Terrence Wallin injured his foot blocking a shot less than a minute into the game. 

Sunday, Jan. 19th – MNE: 4, BRM: 0

The Mariners flipped the script on the Beast, grabbing a 4-0 lead on goals by Brandon Crawley, Sean Day, Jake Elmer, and Ted Hart. Connor LaCouvee rebounded nicely from a shake performance on Friday, with a 27 save shutout, his second in less than a month.