Coaches see top series when Gophers visit UM

When the University of Maine and the University of Minnesota square off in their best-of-three NCAA quarterfinal series in Orono this weekend, fans should receive a real treat, according to coaches from three of the teams that have played both.

“It will be a very exciting series,” said Northern Michigan head coach Rick Comley. “It should be fast-paced. Minnesota plays only one tempo (fast). It’s going to be very emotional, the crowd will be jacked.”

“It’ll be a great series to watch. You’ve got two fast, well-coached teams who play hockey the way it’s meant to be played,” said Boston College assistant Steve Cedorchuk.

Providence head coach Mike McShane agreed and said the teams are similar.

“Maine is a little more disciplined defensively, but Minnesota may be stronger coming up the ice and they are more of a threat,” said McShane. “Minnesota is faster, but Maine is a little stronger and is a better defensive team. Maine’s goaltending is better.The smaller ice surface will help Maine.”

“It will come down to goaltending and Maine has a big edge,” said Cedorchuk. “Minnesota’s forwards are small and quick, but their team has trouble scoring goals. Maine has the edge in scoring ability and Maine’s defensemen are better, defensively. Maine will probably have some problems in the neutral zone. Minnesota accelerates a lot in the neutral zone.”

Comley said, “Minnesota probably skates better, but Maine has more pure offensive talent. Minnesota has great puck possession, but they don’t finish as well as Maine does. Minnesota played great team defense all year. They match up very well.”

Comley said in order for Maine to have success, the Bears are going to have to “put Minnesota back on their heels. If you let Minnesota crank it up, they’re as good as anybody. Minnesota is going to have to shut down (Jean-Yves) Roy and (Jim) Montgomery. (Keith) Carney is an outstanding defenseman.”