Massachusetts hockey secured a 2-0 victory over #12/11 Northeastern on Sunday at Matthews Arena in Boston. The win brings the Minutemen’s record to 9-9-0 as they conclude their semester, while Northeastern falls to 10-5-0.
UMass head coach Greg Carvel commented on the team’s performance, saying, “I thought we deserved better last night in the game, and I give credit to the players, we made some small adjustments, came out and played a really solid game. It was a bit of a chess match. Both teams just getting the puck deep, trying to earn pucks. There wasn’t a ton of offense, but when there was, Jackson Irving was phenomenal. He was difference in the game. We’ve been playing better lately, not getting the results. But tonight, we did, and I’m happy for the group that they get to go into Christmas feeling good about our team.”
The opening period saw both teams setting a physical tone with few scoring opportunities. Each side had one power play chance but failed to register shots on goal during those advantages.
Early in the second period, UMass took the lead when sophomore Mikey DeAngelo scored after working with freshman Lukáš Klecka on a give-and-go play near their offensive blueline. DeAngelo finished with a shot from the right faceoff dot that found its way into the top left corner of Northeastern’s net.
Northeastern increased pressure following UMass’ first goal and recorded 31 shots for the remainder of the contest—including eight during power plays—while UMass managed only eight shots after taking their lead.
With time running out and Northeastern’s goalie pulled for an extra attacker, freshman Václav Nestrašil sealed the win by scoring his tenth goal of the season into an empty net after Jack Galanek won a defensive zone faceoff.
Northeastern finished with 37 total shots compared to UMass’ 16 and went scoreless on three power play opportunities; UMass went 0-for-1 on its lone power play attempt.
UMass will next play Simon Fraser in an exhibition game at Mullins Center on Friday, January 2 at 7 p.m.
