BOSTON – Whether they’re at TD Garden or Matthews Arena, Northeastern has proven once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in Hockey East. Coming hot off of their historic Beanpot victory this past Tuesday, the Huskies momentum continued, with a 4-0 shutout victory over Merrimack on Friday night.
Merrimack brought the aggression in the first period, clearly determined to clinch an unlikely conference victory. They had the upper hand in terms of puck possession, and it was definitely a rougher start for the Huskies.
“They were really doing a great job with their forecheck and forcing us to force pucks up the strong side wall, which was actually something we were trying to avoid,” said associate head coach Nick Carpenito.
However, Northeastern struck first when sophomore forward Allie Lalonde took advantage of a power play opportunity and found the back of the net with a beautiful shot in the upper ninety. This was Lalonde’s second goal of the season, and exactly what the Huskies needed to take the momentum back.
“I think it just took us a minute to get our legs back from the Garden,” Carpenito said.
The Huskies clearly found their footing in the second period though, where freshman forward Éloïse Caron scored just a minute into the frame. Initially the score was reviewed for offsides, but was promptly confirmed for the Huskies. The goal was Caron’s seventh of the season.
And of course, freshman goalie Lisa Jönsson once again brought the heat and kept the Warriors at bay with a series of clutch saves throughout the game, but especially in the second period.
The Huskies lead the conference in blocked shots, and a critical block by senior defender Taylor Guarino in the second frame accompanied by an all-around impressive display from the defensive line were vital to the Husky victory.
In fact, five of the eight assists of the night came from defenders.
“They’re moving the puck up quick,” Carpenito said. “We’re doing a really good job in transition, attacking off of turnovers, which is really important for a team like us who’ve got a lot of team speed.”
Merrimack pressed hard and the Huskies failed to take full advantage of their second power play opportunity, but their defense remained impenetrable.
From start to finish, Northeastern trailed Merrimack in shots on goal, but when the Huskies found scoring opportunities they were sure to strike with lethal force.
“I think all of us have just had a fire under us after playing in the Beanpot,” said senior Tory Mariano.
The defender has been on quite the streak lately herself, with a goal in the Beanpot semifinal against BC, and three assists in Friday night’s game.
One of Mariano’s assists was a pass to junior forward Lily Shannon that played out like a dream. The junior forward laid in wait in the crease when Mariano sought her out, and the puck was in the back of the net in the blink of an eye.
“It was the perfect play,” Mariano said. “I went in down the wall and she was wide open in front of the net. I gave it to her and she put it home.”
The Huskies’ defense continued to excel, and with a penalty on Tuva Kandell for interference at eight minutes into the third, it was Holly Abela who sealed the deal with a shorthanded goal on a breakaway, making it 4-0.
The Huskies penalty kill is ranked first in the nation at a 92.7% success rate, and while Merrimack gave it their all until the final horn, their valiant effort just wasn’t enough against the Huskies defensive line.
“The top four in Hockey East is so tight right now, every league point is huge,” Carpenito said.
While the pressure is certainly high, the Huskies as a team are clearly in a great place right now after these past two outstanding performances.
“Winning the Beanpot brought us together, and we’re going to carry that energy into all the games we have left,” Mariano said.
The Huskies victory over Merrimack, bolstered by amazing performances from the defensive line as well as the usual stellar goaltending from Jönsson, sets them up for success in the remainder of the season.
“Everybody we play is gonna be at their best game,” Carpenito said. “Everybody wants to beat the Huskies.”
The Huskies and Warriors are right back at it Saturday to close out the weekend and season series. Luke Graham and Armaan Vij have the call from North Andover on WRBBSports+. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.