Item Team of the Week – PLNR

You know what I’ve been thinking? It’s hard to win in the playoffs, but the Peabody-Lynnfield-North Reading girls hockey team has made it look easy last week – and ask anyone who’s ever played in a state tournament, it’s not. PLNR has outscored its two opponents (Shawsheen and Methuen) 7-1 through two rounds – not to mention that No. 9 Methuen was ranked just one spot behind No. 8 PLNR. That said, how did they do it? Well, to me, it’s because of three things. The first is forechecking. Even when it’s not creating offensive opportunities, it’s disruptive and not something you want to go up against. On a side note, it’s awesome to see head coach Michelle Roach clapping in excitement as she watches her team forecheck. Secondly, goaltending. Alyse Mutti played a heck of a game last Saturday, recording 20 saves in, frankly, highlight-reel fashion. But lastly, it’s PLNR’s special teams play. Again, pointing back to Saturday, the group scored a power play goal in the second period before killing back-to-back penalties in the third. All that said, PLNR is going to have its hands full with St. Mary’s (23-1) on Wednesday, and I can’t wait to watch two fantastic programs take the ice. PLNR, good week.