PROVIDENCE, RI — Coming off an overtime loss to RPI in their season opener, No. 7/6 Northeastern defeated Providence 2-0 in their Hockey East opener. Complete offensive zone control allowed Northeastern to eliminate their conference rivals’ efforts at getting anything going.
The Huskies’ offense was powered by sophomore winger Stryker Zablocki, Hockey East’s reigning top scorer, who struck twice, both times unassisted and short-handed. The win evened Northeastern’s record at 1-1.
Early in the first period, the Huskies looked poised for another difficult start as junior forward Morgan Jackson was sent to the penalty box just 90 seconds into the game. Providence seized the opportunity, keeping the puck in the offensive zone as Northeastern struggled to clear it.
With just seconds remaining on the power play, Providence junior alternate captain Emma Hofbauer appeared to put the Friars ahead. However, Northeastern successfully challenged the play, and after a lengthy video review, the goal was overturned for goaltender interference.
After the overturned goal, the Huskies returned to the ice with renewed intensity. Their play took on a noticeable edge, with more urgency in their forecheck and pressure in the offensive zone. Anchoring the Huskies was junior goaltender Lisa Jönsson, who made her first start of the season and stopped all 26 shots she faced to record the shutout.
With that same renewed energy, the Huskies created their first breakaway opportunity when Zablocki collected a loose puck and fired it into the net, seemingly giving Northeastern the first goal of the game. But, after another video review, she was ruled offside. The first 20 minutes expired with both teams trading chances but still searching for the opening goal.
During the second period, that first goal would come during a Friars power play. Just four minutes into the period, Zablocki disrupted a Providence possession near the blue line in her own zone and took off on another breakaway. Driving past the red and blue lines, Zablocki faced only Friars sophomore goalkeeper Mallory Hartl. She made no mistake this time, firing a shot over Hartl’s shoulder to give Northeastern the opening goal and make up for her earlier overturned tally.
Less than two minutes later, Northeastern found itself short-handed again, but Zablocki struck once more. This time, with more finesse than speed, a nifty toe drag allowed Zablocki to slip past a defender in the offensive faceoff circle. What had been intended as a centering pass caromed off of Hartl’s left skate and into the net, doubling Northeastern’s lead.
“She’s dangerous,” said head coach Dave Flint following the game. “[Zablocki] kept it simple tonight. She used her speed, took their defenseman wide and went to the net. Instead of trying to go through players, she was going by players and that’s when she’s at her best.”
Before the second period ended, Northeastern’s power play had a chance to build on the lead but failed to convert. Still, the unit showed excellent puck control, highlighting an emerging connection between graduate student Grace Sadura and freshman Ivana Wey.
Providence generated one of its best chances of the afternoon in the opening minute of the third period. Sophomore Sami Snyder, a second-line forward, collected a loose puck off the faceoff and skated behind Jönsson’s net before attempting a wraparound shot at the near post. An excellent post-to-post save by Jönsson kept the shutout alive and returned the momentum to Northeastern.
Northeastern controlled the remainder of the game, stepping up its forecheck and limiting Providence’s opportunities. The Huskies extended their advantage in shots, shots on goal, and faceoffs while protecting their two-goal lead. Excellent play by sophomore defender Ella Lloyd helped Northeastern sustain pressure in the offensive zone, keeping the Friars on their heels as the clock wound down.
With Hartl pulled for the extra attacker, Providence made one final push, but Northeastern senior center Allie Lalonde cleared the zone with 30 seconds remaining to help seal the win. The Huskies applied pressure in the closing seconds before celebrating its first win of the season around Jönsson.
“At the end of the day, we’re back in the win column,” Zablocki said. “We need to regroup for UNH on Sunday, and we need to bring back our old habits and the way we know how to play. I’m excited to continue this year with this group.”
The Huskies will return to the ice in their home opener versus UNH at Walter Brown Arena in Boston on Sunday, October 11th. Armaan Vij and Mike Kaminsky will have that call on WRBB Sports+ with puck drop scheduled for 4 p.m.
Michael Kaminsky is a junior at Northeastern in his second year with WRBB. He values being a part of the broadcast team greatly and is always thrilled to cover games. You can read more of his coverage with WRBB here.