The UConn men’s hockey team (18-11-5, 12-9-3) closed out their regular season with a 3-1 loss against the Providence Friars (23-9-2, 18-5-1) on Saturday night.
Senior forward Ryan Tattle scored UConn’s lone goal as the team failed to get offensive scoring chances throughout the game.
To begin the first, Connecticut attacked early, putting pressure on the Friars defense, but Providence quickly countered with offensive attacks. Freshman Carlin Dezainde earned himself a slashing penalty midway through the first, giving Providence their first power-play opportunity of the game.
UConn’s defense held strong on the penalty kill but a loose puck found forward Aleksi Kivioja near the net. Kivioja was able to get past UConn goaltender Tyler Muszelik to give Providence a 1-0 lead.
Entering the second trailing by a goal, Connecticut looked to get on the scoreboard fast. The Huskies got their first man advantage when Jonathan Fauchon earned himself a tripping penalty. Tattle generated a strong scoring attempt but failed to get the puck past Providence goaltender Jack Parsons.
Throughout the season, UConn has struggled to finish scoring opportunities despite their many shots on goal. During the game, they recorded 38 shots on goal, their highest single-game total since the team had 42 on Jan. 3 against Long Island University.
Providence’s offense spent significant time in UConn’s zone but Viking Gustafsson Nyberg prevented the Friars from scoring. Despite strong efforts on both sides, it was a scoreless second period.
Providence extended their lead less than two minutes into the period. After Gustafsson Nyberg was unable to control the puck, sophomore Logan Sawyer gained possession. Sawyer scored on a breakaway giving Providence a 2-1 lead.
Connecticut continued to spend time in Providence’s zone and despite their many shooting attempts, they failed to get past Parsons.
In the final minutes of the third, UConn pulled Muszelik for an extra skater on the ice, but Providence capitalized on the empty net and Graham Gamache solidified the win with a goal in the final seconds.
Despite the loss, Muszelik was strong in net, making 27 saves across the game. He made several key saves throughout the game.
During the Hockey East Quarterfinals, UConn will need to capitalize on scoring chances and focus on getting more puck possession to increase these chances. Connecticut’s defense will also need to eliminate their opponents’ time in their zone and ensure that they clear the puck during power plays.
UConn fans will have one more chance to see the Huskies play at home this season. The team recently announced that they will host a Hockey East Quarterfinal game on Saturday at Toscano Family Ice Forum. Their opponent is yet to be accounted but the start time for the game is set for 1 p.m. If fans are unable to make it in person, they can watch online on UConn+.