Flip a coin when it comes to predicting the outcome between EL and Lewiston.
It could be the goaltending. It could be intensity. It could be a sniper or two, but maybe it’s just fate.
Whatever the X-factor in Wednesday’s matchup between Lewiston and Edward Little is, EL coach Jamie Belleau may have said it best on Saturday after his team’s win over Mt. Ararat.
“I was more worried about Mt. Ararat than I am about Lewiston, honestly,” Belleau said. “Really, with Lewiston, yes they are a tough team, but it’s a rivalry, and there is nothing you can really say or do in a game like that that will make much of a difference. It’s all going to come down to fate.”
Last year, both teams marched through virtually untouched and met in one of the best games too many people missed because of location. EL took that game, 3-2 at Colby College’s Alfond Arena.
This year, EL suffered just one loss, a 6-5 setback to Bangor that the Red Eddies will not have a chance to avenge thanks to Lewiston. But, as Lewiston coach Tim Smith is quick to point out, solid teams will find ways to win.
“In the end, I am confident that the kids know what they have to do to win games,” Smith said. “Several times this season, the EL games notwithstanding, we have come all the way back from being down in the third to win games.”
The Blue Devils did that on Saturday with two goals in 13 seconds against Bangor.
Breaking down the matchup on paper is actually an easy task. Edward Little and Lewiston both have three full lines that they roll almost all the time. Against Bangor, Lewiston started to shrink to two lines, but it was a contribution from third-liner Danny Cloutier that might have made a difference.
“We know we have three lines and enough depth to be able to keep up,” Smith said.
For EL, depth is also a big factor. By the time the third period against Mt. Ararat rolled around, EL continued to roll three lines, while the Eagles relied heavily on two at most.
In goal, Kris Bennett has been an unsung hero for the Eddies. His goals-against-average is hovering near 1.50, and his percentage has risen drastically from last season.
On the other side, Nick Langlais was huge against Bangor, stopping several shots in close, and according to Smith, has emerged as a solid goaltender “in the tradition of other strong goaltenders at Lewiston.”
Both teams are deep, solid at the blue line, and have stalwart goaltending. So who has the edge?
Flip a coin. That just might be more accurate.
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