Huskies Veterans Power Them to Win

The Northeastern University Huskies hosted their first home game of the new year as they took on the Bentley University Falcons of Atlantic Hockey. The Huskies came out wearing their red sweaters, which it is hoped will be seen more often.

The first period was a slow start for the Huskies. In fact, they did not get their first shot on net until 9:28 into the opening frame. Coach Jim Madigan played more of his fourth line, which fortunately seemed to be determined to generate some energy for those wearing the red and black.

Things picked up as the first period continued. And unfortunately for Bentley, they were called for the first penalty of the game when Jakob Novak was sent off for a slashing at 18:22. Just 37 seconds later, freshman Aidan McDonough notched his eighth power play goal of the season. Going into Monday night’s game he sat third in the nation with power play goals. With Monday night’s goal he is now tied with Boston University’s David Farrance and Sacred Heart University’s Austin McIlmurray for first in the nation in number of power play goals.

The Huskies went into the first intermission leading 1-0 as a result of McDonough’s magic.

The second period while a bit faster in pace did not change the score, which was fortunate for the Huskies because they were outshot by the Falcons 11-4 and had to kill off their first penalty of the game. Jordan Harris was whistled for a holding of the stick infraction at 16:43 of the middle period. Northeastern had the man advantage three times during the second period, which says something about their play during this period since they only had those four shots throughout the entire period.

“We have to get a lot better. I know our guys know that. We just came off playing a league game last Friday, and this wasn’t the same … We didn’t play to the same identity today as we did last weekend. So, we’ll get back at it [Tuesday],” said Northeastern’s head coach Jim Madigan after the game.

As the third period got underway, it once again looked like Bentley was controlling the ice. Jonathan Desbiens notched his fourth goal of the season to tie things up just 1:57 into the period. It was Bentley’s third shot on net in the period.

Credit to Tyler Madden, who managed to put the Huskies ahead once again roughly three minutes later. Brendan van Riemsdyk kept the puck in the offensive zone for the Huskies and shoveled it to Jordan Harris. Harris was able to saucer it from the right half wall across to Madden, who found he had a lot of open net. He didn’t hesitate to put the puck behind Bentley’s Fraser Kirk. That goal at 4:42 of the third was Northeastern’s first shot on net of the period.

At 7:31 of the third, van Riemsdyk was sent to the box for a high sticking call. Novak made the Huskies pay, garnering his 12th goal of the season at 8:40 with assists from Luke Santerno and Desbiens. At that point the only shot on net the Huskies had accomplished was Madden’s. Northeastern was being outshot once again. This time it was 7-1, which was unexpected.

As play continued, much of it north and south with little to show for it at either end, and the clock ticked under two minutes left in regulation, it was looking like there might be some bonus hockey on the way. However, one of Northeastern’s seniors, Matt Filipe, who has helped his team to Beanpot wins the previous two seasons and Hockey East championships as well, showed what was necessary. His wrist shot at 18:16 of the third gave the Huskies the go-ahead goal, assisted by freshman Matt DeMelis and team captain Ryan Shea. Zach Solow, a junior for the Huskies, ensured the Huskies would take the W from the game when he got his ninth goal of the season at 18:42, assisted by Madden.

Despite pulling their goalie, Bentley seemed a bit deflated by the two quick goals after all the time they had controlled the play. When the horn sounded the Huskies had managed to get the 4-2 win, despite having not necessarily been the better team.

Madden had a three-point night with his goal and two assists, while the team captain, Shea, notched two assists. Madden talked about how they had gotten away from their identity.

“We’re not buying in. We weren’t moving our feet on the forecheck. Just little things like that, we always talk about is a big thing and our details weren’t too great. We had some moments tonight and we’re just happy with the two points,” he said.

The veterans stepped up in the third period and the team also owes a lot to their goaltender, Craig Pantano, who helped keep the Huskies in the game.

Northeastern will be back at it on Saturday, January 11, as they take to the road. They will be taking on the New Hampshire Wildcats who they last played in Belfast, Northern Ireland during the Friendship Four. They beat them 4-0 in the first round divisional game before going on to beat Colgate in the championship game.