HARTFORD, Conn. - The UConn men's hockey team shutout no.7 Maine by a final of 2-0 snapping the Black Bears nine game unbeaten streak. Tabor Heaslip and Joey Muldowney scored for the Huskies while sophomore Arsenii Sergeev made 27 saves for the shutout victory.
Missing captain's Hudson Schandor and Jake Flynn due to injuries, UConn would be looking for contributions elsewhere. The Huskies defense was tested early as Maine dominated the first period, outshooting UConn 13-2. UConn weathered the attack and the defense and sophomore Arsenii Sergeev stood strong keeping the Black Bears off the scoreboard and enter the period break scoreless.
UConn found it's stride in the second period, generating more offensive chances with 17 shots on goal while holding Maine to just three shots on goal. Despite outshooting the Black bears, UConn was unable to find the back of the net, and we entered the final period scoreless.
The Huskies came out firing in the third period and did not look back. Sophomore Tabor Heaslip found the back of the net 22 seconds into the start of the third period. Shortly after, UConn's continued pressure and forecheck paid off as Tristan Fraser stole the puck from the Black Bear defender and found freshman Joey Muldowney in front of the net for a backhanded one-timer. With a two-goal lead, the Huskies defense hunkered down and kept Maine off the scoreboard.
Sophomore Arsenii Sergeev made 11 of his 27 saves in the third period, and with the win recorded his first collegiate shutout.
UConn will be back in action Friday January 19 as they welcome the University of New Hampshire to Storrs, Connecticut. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm and can be streamed live on NESN.
