BOSTON – Following a close 2-1 victory over Maine on Friday night, Northeastern finished the sweep against Maine with a 2-0 shutout on Saturday afternoon.
It’s the team’s second sweep in a row following their two impressive victories over UConn last weekend. Freshman goalie Lisa Jönsson started once again, and further proved her ability to maintain composure under pressure.
Both teams got off to a relatively rough start, with a scoreless first period. Neither team displayed any notable control of the game. However, the end of the first period saw Northeastern gaining momentum and placing more pressure on Maine’s freshman goalie Kiia Lahtinen.
Senior forward Skyler Irving was one of two goal-scorers of the afternoon, alongside fellow senior forward and team captain, Taze Thompson.
“It was the theme of the game. Play hard, play fast, do our thing,” said Irving regarding Northeastern’s quick change in momentum as the game progressed.
Both Northeastern goals were on the power play – a strong change in pace compared to the Huskies performance on power plays earlier this season. When asked about this difference, associate head coach Nick Carpenito explained how the team has streamlined their approach to their power-plays.
“We definitely simplified things quite a bit. We took more of a pass-pass-shot mentality rather than a set play mentality, which has been helpful for us,” he said.
Irving emphasized the team’s new approach to their power plays as well.
“At the end of the day, hockey is a game,” she said. “We just played the simple way, came in with the mindset of make the easy pass, get the shots off, get to the net.”
Northeastern’s new technique on the power plays was vital to their victory over Maine, combined with the rising star of the Huskies, goalie Jönsson. The freshman ended the afternoon with 31 saves, establishing Saturday afternoon’s game as her third shutout over the past four games played by the Huskies.
The constant back and forth between the two teams for the first half of the game created pressure for the Black Bears, as Northeastern failed to display any dominant offensive presence during the first period
The second period saw a shift in the game’s dynamic however, with sophomore forwards Ellie Mabardy and Ella Blackmore getting two notable opportunities on breakways that were both turned aside. As the game progressed, the Huskies found themselves with more chances to both get the puck out of their defensive zone, and to create more scoring opportunities.
The tension was palpable, as the match was riddled with penalties on both sides, six of which were in the third period alone. Notably, both graduate student forward Jaden Bogen and junior forward Holly Abela took rough hits in the final frame.
“They’re a very hard team to play against, super physical and intense,” Irving said regarding the Black Bears.
Despite their ultimate loss, Maine put up a relatively tough game and tensions remained high throughout, waiting to see which team would crack under the pressure.
Northeastern’s momentum remained hard to beat despite the physical nature of the game, thanks in part to Thompson scoring first with only 27 seconds left in the second period. Following a grueling first half, the Huskies finally gained the momentum they needed and used that in order to come out hot for the third.
In a last ditch effort, Maine pulled Lahtinen whilst Bogden was in the box for slashing with under two minutes remaining, providing the Black Bears with the opportunity for a six-on-four. However, this proved to be fruitless, as the Huskies kept their intensity until the final horn.
Ultimately, Saturday’s victory over Maine proved to be a highlight for Northeastern, as they displayed their ability to score on the power play. This will hopefully set a new precedent for their strength on the advantage moving forward, whilst playing with the same intensity they’ve exhibited all season at even strength.
Northeastern now has two weeks off before their next matchup against Boston College on Nov. 30. Puck drop at Matthews Arena for the contest is scheduled for 7 p.m. Information on WRBB’s coverage will be provided at a later date on our website.