Hockey East Weekend Update

By Chris Aliano

It was an exciting night across Hockey East and all of college hockey, with several top-tier teams in the nation surviving one-goal games.  BU, BC, UMass and Maine came away with victories over conference foes, while UNH dropped a 4-1 decision at No. 19 Wisconsin.

For extended coverage of Hockey East, head to their homepage.  

It looked as if Providence (4-2-0, 0-1-0 HEA) was going to come away with another impressive victory last night against UMass, but the Minutemen (4-0-0, 3-0-0 HEA) stormed back in the third period, going 3-for-7 on the power play in the process.  Paul Dainton made 35 saves for UMass, while Matt Irwin, James Marcou and Casey Wellman found the back of the net in the final frame.  Alex Beaudry stopped 31 shots for the Friars in net.

No. 10 Vermont (2-3-0, 1-2-0 HEA) continued to struggle Friday night against Maine 4 (2-5-0, 1-2-0 HEA), falling 4-1 in Orono.  The loss comes one week after Merrimack upset the Catamounts in Andover, signifying Vermont's early season struggles on the road.  Maine outshot UVM, 39-32, while going 3-for-10 on the power play.  Adam Shemansky recorded a career-high two goals, including the game-winning tally.  Rob Madore made 35 saves for Vermont.

Merrimack (4-3-0, 1-1-0 HEA) was looking to extend its four-game winning streak and assert itself as a force to be reckoned with in the conference.  While the Warriors kept it close, No. 12 Boston College (2-1-0, 1-1-0 HEA) came away with the 4-3 victory.  The teams each scored three goals in the opening period. Merrimack went 1-for-3 on the PP.  BC outshot Merrimack, 36 to 18, which included a 16-6 edge in the first period.  Jimmy Hayes and Paul Carey each tallied two points for the Eagles.  Merrimack's Joe Cannata totaled 32 saves in the loss for the Warriors.  Stephane Da Costa and Brandon Brodhag each notched two points for Merrimack.

Meanwhile in Madison, New Hampshire (2-3-1, 2-0 HEA) was drubbed 4-1 by No. 19 Wisconsin.  The Wildcats were coming off two victories last weekend against Northeastern and Maine, but were unable to put it together against the Badgers (2-2-1).  UNH’s Brian Foster notched a career-high 47 saves in his sixth start of the season.  The ‘Cats penalty kill was a perfect 5-for-5 on the night.  Peter LeBlanc scored his first goal of the season in the losing effort for the Wildcats.

Tonight's Contests
No. 8 UMass-Lowell at No. 4 BU
Providence at Massachusetts
UNH at Wisconsin (8pm)

Tomorrow's Contests
No. 12 Boston College at Merrimack (4pm)