BOSTON – After shutting out Providence earlier this weekend, Northeastern looked to carry that momentum into their matchup against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats. Sunday afternoon marked the Huskies’ home opener, where they defeated the Wildcats 6-3 in front of the home crowd.
The Wildcats came out fast, applying early pressure that unsettled the Huskies. Northeastern struggled with puck control, connecting passes, and transitioning out of its defensive zone.
Those struggles ultimately resulted in a turnover at the defensive zone, which UNH sophomore forward Nina Rossi capitalized on by dropping the puck back to senior Danika Botterill who found the back of the net.
Soon after, UNH freshman forward Sofia Kari was called for body checking, giving Northeastern its first power-play opportunity of the game. The Huskies entered the contest 0-for-5 on the power play this season, and their first opportunity showed why, as they struggled to connect passes and were pushed back into their own zone.
Immediately after the power play expired, Northeastern junior forward Morgan Jackson beat the defense with a toe-drag release to tie the game, with assists from Emy McDermid and Kristina Allard. The goal sparked the Huskies, who generated several high-quality scoring chances late in the period.
Northeastern carried its momentum into the second period, improving its transition game and passing while maintaining a strong forecheck. The Huskies continued to pressure senior goaltender Noemi Martinez, eventually earning a five-on-three power play after consecutive penalties against UNH. The opportunity gave Northeastern a chance to score its first power-play goal of the season.
Northeastern capitalized on the opportunity when freshman forward Lilly McInerney scored her first collegiate goal off a cross-crease pass from fellow freshman Ivana Wey. Just over a minute later, McDermid extended the Huskies’ lead to 3-1.
Despite Northeastern’s improved offensive execution, New Hampshire responded early in the third period. Botterill scored twice on the power play in the opening minutes of the frame, completing her hat trick and tying the game at 3-3. After surrendering their two-goal lead, the Huskies needed to regain control and respond.
Northeastern sophomore forward Stryker Zablocki responded with a go-ahead goal, assisted by Wey and graduate forward Grace Sadura putting the Huskies back in front. The game-winning goal followed Zablocki’s two-goal performance in Friday’s shutout win over Providence.
Northeastern took control as the game drew to a close. Sophomore forward Molly MacCurtain scored her first career goal, with assists from McDermid and senior defender Rylie Jones. Sadura added another goal shortly afterward, assisted by defenders Ella Lloyd and Kamdyn Davis, to seal the 6-3 victory.
With six goals from six different scorers, Northeastern showcased its offensive depth and ability to respond under pressure. After a slow start and surrendering its lead in the third period, the Huskies rallied to seal win.
“One of the things we’re most excited about this year is our depth.” said associate head coach Nick Carpenito. “We’re obviously going to rely on our top six, but we can rely on other players if the top six isn’t producing.”
Northeastern will look to carry its momentum into next weekend’s matchup against Quinnipiac in Hamden, Connecticut. The Bobcats are currently 3-1-0, setting up another early test for the Huskies. Northeastern will need to maintain the offensive pressure it showed against New Hampshire. “Continuing on the momentum from this game. We got a lot of good looks, a lot of good shots. Keeping that up no matter who we are playing” said Jackson.
The Huskies are back in action on Friday, traveling to take on No. 4 Quinnipiac. Max Schwartzberg and Mike Kaminsky will have the call at 6 p.m. on WRBB Sports+
Madalynn Tuttle is a second-year student at Northeastern University. She is a hockey writer for WRBB Sports. Read all of her articles here.