The Carleton Ravens are moving on to the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) East semifinals, thanks in large part to the efforts of Brandon MacLean, Joey Manley and Ryan Berard.

After juggling his lines upon Berard and MacLean’s return from the World University Games in Turkey early this month, Ravens head coach Marty Johnston decided to reunite the trio in advance of game two against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues Feb. 18.

And it was the turning point in the series.

MacLean, Manley and Berard combined for seven goals in Carleton’s first-round series win over Toronto, three more than the entire Varsity Blues put past Ravens goaltender Matthew Dopud. The Ravens’ top unit also added eight helpers, for a total of 15 points.

“It was partly a coaching mistake on my part to not put them back together [right away],” Johnston said. “They obviously control the play, they’re responsible, they were the difference [in game two] and MacLean had an unbelievable goal again [in game three].”

MacLean leads the Ravens in scoring this post-season with six points in three games, including two jaw-dropping tallies at the Ice House. But the third-year forward from Burlington, Ont. is quick to credit his linemates before accepting any praise.

“They just find you in the right spots,” MacLean said. “We really just feed off each other. It’s a three-man line. It’s not one guy going and two guys sitting back.”

Berard said he and his linemates are feeling “really confident” after the last two games. He credits Manley for his great shot, and ‘Mucks’ for his great skill.

“All I have to do really is get the puck to them, bang bodies, and just play my game,” Berard said.

MacLean said he thinks the key to his line’s success this season has been preparation and communication.

“Instead of confidence, I just think we’re really prepared,” he said. “We know what we’re doing and we’re talking on the ice, and when we’re on the bench we’re talking about what we can do better. We’re just working for each other.”

MacLean also spoke to the line’s ability to generate speed through the neutral zone and work the puck down low.

Another key to their success is simply familiarity, Johnston said.

“I’ve played with Berard pretty much my whole career since I’ve been here,” MacLean laughed.

Manley joined MacLean and Berard on a line last season, and after going through a few different combinations early this season, the trio has become a mainstay down the stretch.

Although Johnston said “anything can happen” in the next round, he doesn’t expect to be shuffling his first line again any time soon.

“After the way they’ve played, they’re going to stay together.”

And what can their opponents expect from the MacLean, Manley, and Berard next round?

“The exact same thing,” Berard said.