Providence, RI (Nov. 27, 2004) Union seemed primed for victory with a three-goal lead in the second period and some early dominating play, but Merrimack fought back with the aid of some lethargic play by the Dutchmen the rest of the way as the two teams skated to a 4-4 tie in the opening game of the Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Pot at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, RI.  Union was outshot 37-29 for the game as the Warriors owned a 32-13 edge in the shot category over the final two periods. 

Union struck first with a power play goal from Phil McDavitt (Duxbury, MA) at 3:40 of the first period.  McDavitt wound up from the point on a feed from Olivier Bouchard (Quebec City, QUE) and laced a shot past Merrimack goalie Jim Healey.  Josh Coyle (Brooklyn, OH) made it a 2-0 game just under eight minutes later with a shot in front of the net that sailed over Healey's blocker. 

Merrimack cut it to one at 15:51 with a goal from Jeff Caron on the power play.  Caron's shot from the top of the Union zone found its way through traffic and past goaltender Kris Mayotte (Pittsburgh, PA) who was screened on the play. 

With 41 seconds before the end of the first period Union's Jordan Webb (Nepean, ONT) picked up a loose puck in front of the net and lifted it over Healey who had made back-to-back saves on a delayed penalty call.  Webb also added an assist in the game to bring his career point total to 101.  He now needs just four more points to become Union's all-time leading Division I scorer. 

After an early second period goal by Jonathan Poirier (St. Jerome, QUE), extended the Dutchmen lead to three goals.  Merrimack responded with the games next three scores.  Mike Alexious got things started 31 seconds after Poirier's goal off an assist from Rob Lalonde. 

Union conceded its third short-handed goal in two games to allow Merrimack to make it a one-goal game for the first time.  Matt Byrnes stole the puck in the neutral zone as the Dutchmen attempted to organize its power play.  He raced in on net and sent a pass across to crease to Jordan Black who sent a wrister by Mayotte.  Special teams came through for the Warriors once again as Bryan Schmidt tied the game at 3:05 of the final period. 

The game went into the books as a tie but the teams went into a shootout to determine who would advance to the championship game tomorrow.  With Union down by a goal in the shootout, Scott Brady (Sutton, MA) stepped up to represent Union's last chance to tie it up.  He was successful in his attempt but Schmidt converted on Merrimack's final opportunity to give his team a 2-1 win and a pass into the championship. 

Mayotte made 33 saves in net, including 29 over the final two periods.  Healey had 25 between the pipes for the Warriors. 

Union (7-5-1) extended its unbeaten streak to seven games but came up short of surpassing its record for consecutive wins.  They will play in the consolation game tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. between the loser of the Providence vs. Holy Cross game.