by Christian Skroce
Déjà vu. That’s what it must have felt like for the Northeastern bench as they stormed the ice to celebrate with overtime hero Zach Solow. For the second time this season, the Northeastern Huskies (27-10-1) defeated the Boston University Terriers (16-19-4) by a score of 2-1 after overtime at TD Garden, and this one was just as sweet.
The game started off slowly, with both teams just feeling each other out during the opening frame. Chances were hard to come by in the first period, and both goalies stood on their heads to keep the game scoreless through one. The Terriers finally broke the deadlock 7:39 into the second period, as sophomore forward Ty Amonte finished off a rebound in from of the net to give Boston University a 1-0 leads. Despite some chances from the Huskies to end the period, the Terriers were able to keep their lead going into the second intermission.
The BU lead didn’t last long into the final frame, as Northeastern freshman forward Tyler Madden shined once again as he tied up the contest just 16 seconds into the third period. The rest of the final period looked eerily similar to the first period, as both teams struggled to get an upper hand. Northeastern had the best chance to grab the lead at the end of the period, as the Huskies went on a power play with just under three minutes to go in regulation. Although Northeastern managed several shots, including six from senior forward Brandon Hawkins, Boston University goalie Jake Oettinger was able to keep the game knotted at one, propelling this matchup into its third overtime of the season.
The offensive struggles for both teams continued in the overtime period, while both goalies once again stood up to whatever was thrown at them. The game finally came to an end when sophomore forward Zach Solow ripped a shot past Jake Oettinger 15:44 into the overtime frame. With the goal, Solow recorded his sixth game winning goal of the season, tying a program record. The impressive play from Solow also gave Northeastern its 27th win on the year, breaking the previous program record of 26 wins in a season.
Not to be forgotten in the win is Northeastern’s sophomore goaltender Cayden Primeau. Throughout the game, Primeau stopped 29 Boston University shots, recording a 0.967 save percentage for the contest. Tonight’s game was just another in a long line of fantastic performances from Primeau this season, as his success in games at TD Garden continues.
After the game, Northeastern head coach Jim Madigan expressed his admiration for his players resilience in the third period and overtime frame, but also noted his concern over the team’s slow start to the game. As Madigan pointed out, the Huskies will have to get off to a faster start in the Championship Game, regardless of who they end up playing.
“We have a lot of momentum right now,” said Zach Solow after the game. “I’m really proud of the guys, and hopefully we can take this feeling into the next game.” Northeastern’s next game will be for the Hockey East Championship. The game will be played tomorrow night and will pit them against the winner of the second semifinal between UMASS Amherst and Boston College. WRBB will have full coverage of the Hockey East Championship Game, with pregame coverage starting at 6:45pm tomorrow night.