MAINE ROLLS PAST NORTHEASTERN, 5-1
Brian Flynn posts goal and two assists for Black Bears

Brian Flynn had a goal and two assists for Maine

ORONO, Maine -- Brian Flynn (Lynnfield, Mass.) scored a goal and added two assists as the University of Maine men's ice hockey team extended its winning streak to five games with a 5-1 victory over Northeastern on Saturday night at Black Out night at Alfond Arena. The Black Bears improve to 9-7-1 on the season and 7-4-1 in Hockey East play, while Northeastern falls to 6-8-1 on the campaign, 4-7-1 in conference play. It was the fifth straight game in which the Black Bears have allowed just one goal.

The two teams played a scoreless first period, but made up for it in the second with five goals. Adam Shemansky (Robbinsville, N.J.) gave Maine a 1-0 lead at 3:58 when he had his shot deflect past Husky goalie Chris Rawlings and into the back of the net. For Shemansky, it was his eighth goal of the season. Brian Flynn assisted on the Shemansky goal.

Brett Carriere (Ottawa, Ontario) scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal when he rifled a shot from the right face-off circle past Rawlings for his first goal of the season at 4:55. Matt Mangene (Manorville, N.Y.) and Kyle Solomon (Southampton, N.Y.) each assisted on the goal by Carriere.

The Huskies got on the scoreboard at 14:27 with a power play goal. Kyle Kraemer had a shot from the blueline that Tyler McNeely tipped past Maine goalie Scott Darling (Lemont, Ill.). It was the fourth goal of the season for McNeely. David Strathman also assisted on the tally.

The Black Bears regained the two-goal lead less than three minutes later with a beautiful power play goal. Will O'Neill (Salem, Mass.) and Gustav Nyquist (Malmo, Sweden) teamed up to find a wide-open Flynn on the left goal post. Flynn was easily able to beat Rawlings for his fifth goal of the season.

Flynn then fed Jeff Dimmen (Colorado Springs, Colo.), who converted from the right face-off circle, less than a minute later, giving Maine a 4-1 lead. O'Neill also assisted on the goal for the Black Bears.

Maine added the lone goal of the third period. Josh Van Dyk (Woodstock, Ontario) had a shot from the point and Shemansky was able to get a stick on the rebound. He then dished the puck off to David deKastrozza (Toms River, N.Y.) who beat Northeastern goalie Bryan Mountain for his third goal of the season. Neither team was able to find the back of the net the remainder of a penalty-filled third period.

Maine finished the game with a 31-24 edge in shots. Maine goalie Scott Darling turned in another impressive performance, making 23 saves. He improves to 9-3-1 on the season. Chris Rawlings started in goal for the Huskies and made 16 saves in 38:03. He falls to 5-7-1 on the season. Mountain made 10 saves in 21:57.

Maine turned in another outstanding performance on the power play as it converted on four of seven chances. Northeastern was 1-for-5 with the man-advantage.

The Black Bears return to action on Dec. 29 when they face Princeton in the first game of the Florida College Classic in Estero, Fla. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 PM. Northeastern returns to action when it travels to Dartmouth on Jan. 2 for a 7 PM game.