The MASCAC shuffle continues, and by virtue of a pair of wins over the weekend, Plymouth State finds itself in first place in the conference, as three weeks remain in the regular season.
The Panthers earned four points with a pair of home wins: a 4-2 win Thursday over Westfield State and a 4-3 win Saturday over Framingham State, and the Panthers earned four points that leapfrogged them into first place.
In fact, Plymouth State stated the obvious on its Twitter account – @psumenshockey1 – on Sunday:
“Big week behind us #4points A couple of well-deserved days off before we go back to work. Thanks for all the support.”
Plymouth State senior Chris Zaremba scored three goals in the two wins, earning MASCAC player of the week honors, and the Panthers have an opportunity to create some separation in the standings this week. Plymouth State travels to Salem State on Saturday, and holds a one-point advantage over the second-place Vikings. Four points separate first-place Plymouth State (20) from fourth-place Fitchburg State (16).
However, the week could mean more shuffling in the MASCAC — Plymouth State is idle until Saturday, while six MASCAC teams play on Thursday: Worcester State at Fitchburg State, Westfield State at Framingham State, and Salem State at Massachusetts-Dartmouth, another matchup that will have implications in the standings.
Golden explosion
Three days after Western New England ended a stretch in which it went 2-7, the Golden Bears earned one of their most resounding wins of the season, a 10-3 decision Saturday against Curry, the first-place team in the ECAC Northeast.
Ahead 5-3 entering the third period, the Golden Bears scored five goals in the final 20 minutes, ultimately ending Curry’s five-game unbeaten streak. The Golden Bears handed the Colonels their most lopsided loss of the season.
Entering the week, Western New England is tied for fourth place with Nichols in the ECAC Northeast, each with 12 points, one point behind third-place Johnson and Wales. Perfect timing, as Western New England hosts Johnson and Wales on Wednesday.
The top six teams in the ECAC Northeast qualify for the league’s playoffs.
