BOSTON, Mass. - The UConn men's hockey defeated Northeastern by a final of 4-3 Friday evening at Matthews Arena. Matthew Wood scored a hat trick while Ryan Tattle finished with three assists in the win.
UConn jumped out to the early lead in the first period, when senior Nick Capone used a screen and fired a shot past Cameron Whitehead of Northeastern two minutes into the start of the game. The scoring didn't stop there as late in the first period, sophomores Matthew Wood and Ryan Tattle connected on a give and go which ended by a diving goal from Matthew Wood to give the Huskies the two-goal lead heading into the period break.
UConn extended their lead early in the second period as Matthew Wood found himself in front for the rebound goal. Northeastern responded in the second period, scoring two goals to cut the UConn lead to one heading into the third period. Northeastern scored their first of the night on the power play, and with one minute remaining in the period, scored their second of the night off a tip in goal.
Midway through the third period, Northeastern was able to find the tying goal as Vinny Borgesi fired a puck from the point past sophomore Arsenii Sergeev. The Huskies would not back down following the game tying goal, as Ryan Tattle and Matthew Wood connected once again to give Wood his third goal of the game and give UConn the 4-3 lead with five minutes remaining in the game. Following a penalty on UConn with one minute remaining in the game, Northeastern pulled their goalie in favor of a two-man advantage. Despite having a two-man advantage, Northeastern was unable to find the back of the net as the Huskies penalty kill stood strong to give UConn the 4-3 win.
The Huskies will be back in action Saturday March 2 as to wrap up the weekend series against Northeastern. Puck drop is scheduled for 5pm and can be streamed live on ESPN+. The Huskies will be holding a pregame ceremony to honor their senior class.
