The UConn Huskies have transitioned from playoff patsies into title contenders while upending the power structure in Hockey East.
No. 4 seed UConn advanced to the Hockey East final with a 4-1 upset victory over No. 1 seed Northeastern on Friday night at TD Garden. UConn’s quarterfinal win over Boston University and the victory over NU are the Huskies only postseason wins since joining the conference in 2014-15.
UConn improved to 20-15-0 and will face reigning Hockey East champion UMass in the title game on Saturday night at the Garden. UConn goalie Darion Hanson, a graduate transfer from Union, finished with 24 saves while NU’s Devon Levi, the Hockey East Goaltender of the Year, registered 33 saves.
“We are certainly pleased to be moving on to the championship game,” said UConn coach Mike Cavanaugh. “We came in with the intention of winning the tournament just like all four teams that come here do and I was really happy with the way we competed.”
A victory in the championship game would give UConn the automatic bid from Hockey East in the NCAA tournament. Northeastern fell to 25-12-1 and may have put its at-large berth in the NCAA tournament field of 16 at a 50-50 proposition.
“I don’t believe we can move down from 14 so now we are hoping for the hockey gods to work things out for us here and hope the teams we need to win do win (Saturday) night,” said Keefe.
UConn went up 1-0 at 11:39 of the first on a brilliant collaboration by the fourth line just as its power play had elapsed. Chase Bradley arched around the NU defense from the left circle and found Nick Capone behind the net. Capone slid the puck through the crease to Vladislav Firstov who flicked in his 11th of the season.
NU tied the game 1-1 on an equally impressive piece of teamwork on the power play at 14:13. Gunnarwolfe Fontaine dropped the puck back to defenseman Jordan Harris, who was situated in the high slot. Harris relayed the puck to Aidan McDonough, who one-timed it from the right circle by Darion Hanson top shelf to the far side. UConn enjoyed a 12-6 advantage in shots on goal in the frame.
UConn went up 2-1 on an aggressive breakout at 13:47. Bradley led the rush down the right flank and fired consecutive shots from close quarters on Levi. Defenseman Roman Kinal collected the second rebound and flipped it by Levi for his third of the season. UConn exited the middle period with a 28-17 advantage in shots on goal.
“It took us too long to get going,” said Keefe. “In the second we were a little bit better but we just weren’t able to get that second goal and I thought the better team tonight won.”
BOSTON, MA - March 18: Northeastern forward Jakov Novak (10) reaches out and hits UConn defenseman Ryan Wheeler (6) in a tussle as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Vladislav Firstov (10) celebrates the win with UConn goaltender Darion Hanson (33) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Nick Capone (21) crosschecks Northeastern forward Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (11) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Marc Gatcomb (17) celebrates his goal with UConn forward Chase Bradley (20) and UConn defenseman Roman Kinal (4) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Ryan Tverberg (28) celebrates his goal with UConn forward Carter Turnbull (8), UConn forward Hudson Schandor (22), UConn defenseman Roman Kinal (4) and UConn forward Artem Shlaine (32) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Carter Turnbull (8) takes out Northeastern defenseman Jordan Harris (2) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Ryan Tverberg (28) scores on Northeastern goaltender Devon Levi (1) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Nick Capone (21) makes an unsuccessful breakaway bid on Northeastern goaltender Devon Levi (1) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn defenseman Roman Kinal (4) celebrates his goal with UConn forward Nick Capone (21) and UConn forward Chase Bradley (20) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: Northeastern defenseman Tyler Spott (18) takes down UConn defenseman John Spetz (18) as Northeastern defenseman Jayden Struble (3) skates thru as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Carter Turnbull (8) collides with Northeastern forward Sam Colangelo (16) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Carter Turnbull (8) makes an unsuccessful shorthanded bid on Northeastern goaltender Devon Levi (1) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: Northeastern forward Aidan McDonough (25) celebrates his goal with Northeastern defenseman Jordan Harris (2) and Northeastern forward Sam Colangelo (16) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Vladislav Firstov (10) celebrates his goal with UConn defenseman Ryan Wheeler (6) and UConn defenseman Ryan Wheeler (6) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn head coach Mike Cavanaugh yells at the ref as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
Northeastern forward Aidan McDonough celebrates a goal last March at the TD Garden in the Hockey East tournament. The Milton native is hoping to score more goals in the building during this year's Beanpot. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Carter Turnbull (8) makes his bid on Northeastern goaltender Devon Levi (1) as Northeastern forward Justin Hryckowian (29) moves in as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Carter Turnbull (8) and Northeastern defenseman Jeremie Bucheler (4) have to be separated by the ref as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn defenseman Jarrod Gourley (60) takes down Northeastern defenseman Julian Kislin (8) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UConn forward Vladislav Firstov (10) scores with a shot past Northeastern defenseman Jordan Harris (2) and Northeastern goaltender Devon Levi (1) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: Northeastern forward Aidan McDonough (25) is hit by UConn forward Kevin O'Neil (19) as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: Northeastern head coach Jerry Keefe speaks with the ref as UConn takes on NU in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
UConn went up 3-1 at 4:32 of the third on a fabulous individual effort by sophomore right wing Ryan Tverberg, a Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick from Richmond Hill, Ontario. Tverberg turned the puck over on the half wall, eluded two NU defenders and tucked the puck inside the far post for his 14th of the season. First-line senior left wing Marc Gatcomb of Woburn scored an unassisted empty netter at 17:52.
“I was just hopping in the zone and saw a puck that I could get to,” said Tverberg. “I just made a move, got by and was able to put it in.
“Playing in the Garden was a new experience for a lot of us and was cool in general. We start in practice and doing the things we need to do, very little things and making them translate into the game.”
UMass 3, UMass Lowell 1
UMass earned the right to defend its crown with a grueling victory over UMass Lowell in the nightcap. UMass improved to 21-12-2 and with a victory over UConn would secure both a favorable seed and locale for the upcoming NCAA tournament. UMass Lowell fell to 21-10-3 but should receive an at-large bid on Selection Sunday.
“We went into this game with a very precise gameplan,” said UMass coach Greg Carvel. “We’ve played Lowell so much, the fourth time this year, and I have tremendous respect for that team.”
UMass opened the scoring on the power play at 12:27 of the first period. First-line center Josh Lopina let the puck fly from the low slot that was stopped by Owen Savory. Garrett Wait had two chances at the rebound and swatted in the second for his 12th of the season. Wait’s tally was a favorable omen because the Minutemen entered the game 17-2-2 when they score first.
BOSTON, MA - March 18: Massachusetts defenseman Colin Felix (26) knocks UMass Lowell forward Blake Wells (22) to the ice as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UMass Lowell forward Brian Chambers (21) leaps to let the shot onto Massachusetts goaltender Matt Murray (31) as Massachusetts defenseman Ty Farmer (3) looks on as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18:UMass Lowell forward Brian Chambers (21) knocks down Massachusetts forward Bobby Trivigno (8) as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UMass Lowell forward Matt Crasa (25) celebrates his goal with UMass Lowell defenseman Nick Austin (12) and UMass Lowell forward Lucas Condotta (24) as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: The shot of UMass Lowell forward Matt Crasa (25) passes Massachusetts defenseman Scott Morrow (23), UMass Lowell forward Reid Stefanson (9) and Massachusetts goaltender Matt Murray (31) for a goal as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: Massachusetts defenseman Matthew Kessel (4) takes down UMass Lowell forward Matt Crasa (25) as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: Massachusetts forward Garrett Wait (12) tips the puck into the net for a goal over UMass Lowell goaltender Owen Savory (31) with Massachusetts forward Josh Lopina (10) as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: Massachusetts forward Bobby Trivigno (8) celebrates his goal as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: Massachusetts forward Cal Kiefiuk (7) is knocked down by UMass Lowell defenseman Ben Meehan (14) as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18:Massachusetts forward Garrett Wait (12) celebrates his goal with Massachusetts forward Bobby Trivigno (8) as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: Massachusetts forward Josh Lopina (10) collides with UMass Lowell forward Lucas Condotta (24) as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: UMass Lowell forward Lucas Condotta (24) knocks down Massachusetts forward Cal Kiefiuk (7) as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
BOSTON, MA - March 18: Massachusetts defenseman Colin Felix (26) collides with UMass Lowell forward Andre Lee (26) as UMass Lowell takes on UMass Amherst in the semifinals of the Hockey East Championships at the Garden on March 18, 2022 in BOSTON, Massachusetts. (Staff Photo By Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald)
The Minutemen went up 2-0 at 14:10 on a nice rush up the ice by senior captain Bobby Trivigno, the Hockey East Player of the Year. Trivigno broke in on the right flank, cut laterally into the left circle and fired a wrister that beat Savory high inside the far post for his 19th of the season. Despite the disparity on the scoreboard, UMass Lowell outshot UMass 11-7 in the period.
“I skated up the ice and I felt I had space up top as soon as I skated across the blue line,” said Trivigno.
UMass Lowell cut the lead to 2-1 at 16:37 of the second period on an awkward play accentuated by a lucky bounce. Matt Crasa dropped the puck back to defenseman Nick Austin on the right point and made a bee line to the cage. Austin fired a wobbler that Crasa redirected to the exposed half of the goal for his 12th of the season. The play was reviewed for several minutes before UMass Lowell was awarded the goal.
UMass took a 3-1 lead on a freak goal at 13:00 of the third. Junior right wing Jerry Harding of Canton made a dash down the right boards and swatted the puck toward the UMass Lowell goal as he was being taken down by Reid Stefanson. Crasa attempted to clear the rebound and inadvertently put it between Savory’s pads. Harding was credited with the goal, his first of the year.
