The UConn men’s hockey team looks to bounce back after splitting a weekend series against Providence last week. UConn (4-5-1) faces Northeastern (4-2-0) on Friday at Toscano Family Ice Forum before traveling to PeoplesBank Arena Saturday in Hartford.
Northeastern is coming off a 5-1 win over Holy Cross on Saturday, whereas UConn fell in their most recent game 8-1 against the Providence Friars.
UConn dominated in game one of the series against the Friars, taking home a 6-5 victory after a back-and-forth scoring battle between both teams. However, the Huskies were unable to carry this momentum into the second game of the weekend series after Providence controlled possession of the puck and denied the Huskies many scoring opportunities.
UConn will need to look out for sophomore forward Jacob Mathieu, who leads Northeastern in goals (5) and has been a strong offensive piece for the Huskies so far this season. Goaltender Lawton Zacher holds a .931 save percentage and is likely to start in net against UConn this series.
Northeastern has found success when striking first, and UConn will need to prepare to get past their defense to secure the win. The Huskies showed their offensive abilities against Providence on Friday but failed to maintain this during Saturday’s loss. Avoiding an early deficit will be important as UConn looks to build on its record again Northeastern that has won four of its first six games.
Despite being outshot 38-25 in Friday’s matchup against Providence, UConn was able to capitalize on its scoring opportunities, netting six goals. The Huskies also were successful on the power play, converting two of their six chances while holding the Friars scoreless despite having five attempts.
In Friday’s game goaltender Kam Hendrickson also played a key role in the victory, stopping 33 of Providence’s 38 shots.
However, Saturday’s game had a different result as the Friars pressured the Huskies offensively, outshooting them 39-24 and ultimately securing a 8-1 victory. Cole Davis scored UConn’s lone goal, marking his first of the season.
The two games against Providence highlighted both the offensive success and defensive inconsistences that UConn will need to be attentive heading into the series against Northeastern.
The Huskies (4-5-1) will look to get back in the winning column against fellow Hockey East opponent Northeastern this weekend. The first game is set for Friday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at Toscano Family Ice Forum while Saturday’s game will be held at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford with puck drop scheduled for 3 p.m.