PORTLAND — For about 20 seconds Monday, the Brunswick boys’ hockey team looked as if it was going to give Cheverus a fight. The Dragons took a couple quick shots on goal after the opening faceoff and seemed to be flying.

Then it was the Stags’ turn. Cheverus scored 10 seconds later, and it was off and running to an 8-0 victory.

Coach Dan Lucas changed the Cheverus lines before the game, moving the No. 2 unit up to No. 1.

That paid dividends when Sterling Weatherbie skated in on the Brunswick net and scored the first goal.

Weatherbie added a second goal and also set up a goal, and linemate Cam McLain scored twice and had an assist.

Liam Fitzpatrick contributed a goal and two assists as everybody on the top line provided a spark.

“We found out we were starting today and we were talking before the game about how we wanted to get a goal early,” Weatherbie. “Then we scored a goal on our first two shifts.”

Cheverus (6-3) was up 3-0 just 5:15 into the game, and Brunswick (6-6-1) was never able to mount much of a challenge. Cheverus extended its lead to 6-0 through two periods.

The Stags outshot Brunswick in every period as Cheverus goaltender Mike Haas-Zanghi had to make just 14 saves. Harry Ridge, a defenseman who often played with the top line of forwards, finished with three assists.

Lucas was quick to point out that his line change was a normal part of his coaching plan.

“We try to keep ’em on their toes, keep them playing every shift like it’s incredibly important,” Lucas said. “To have a night like this gives them some confidence.”

The Stags certainly can use a boost. Cheverus recently ended a stretch of 16 days between games, thanks to a snowed-out game against Brunswick. That extended break left the Stags 10th in the Western Class A Heal point rankings entering Monday’s game.

Cheverus needs to move up, and Lucas knows it.

“These are the teams we’ve gotta beat if we’re going to move up in the points,” he said. “Every game counts. These other teams have played a lot more games than us and we need to move up.”