PROVIDENCE, RI. - The UConn men's hockey team bounces back and takes down #10 Providence by a final of 2-1 on the road. Senior Ethan Haider finished with 42 saves while the Huskies penalty kill shined, holding the Friars 1 for 9 on the power play.
In a penalty filled first period, both teams' special teams were put to work. The Huskies penalty kill shined early, holding the Friars scoreless on their three power plays. Late in the first period, Providence found the back of the net, but the officials blew the play dead and issued a goaltender interference penalty on Providence. The Huskies then found the back of the net on a power play of their own as Jake Richard, beat Philip Svedeback for the goal with time running down in the first period.
The Huskies were able to extend their lead midway through the second period, as consistent pressure forced the friars to turn over the puck, and junior Chase Bradley did the rest, firing the shot bar down to give UConn the 2-0 lead. The Huskies faced adversity late in the second period as sophomore Matthew Wood was issued a 5-minute major and game misconduct for boarding, followed by a holding penalty on John Spetz as time expired in the period.
While killing off the 5-minute major and 2-minute minor, the Friars were able to net one goal to cut into the Huskies lead. UConn's penalty kill did the rest as they were able to survive the remaining time of the 5-minute major. From there, the defense and senior goaltender Ethan Haider shined, preventing the friars from finding the equalizer. Despite outshooting the Huskies 44-19, UConn was able to take down the #10 Friars by a final of 2-1.
The Huskies will be back in action next week as they welcome #11 Massachusetts to Toscano Family Ice Forum to kick off a home and home series with the Minutemen.
