Boston College Men’s Hockey defeats UMass-Lowell 4-3

The Boston College men’s hockey team defeated UMass Lowell 4-3 tonight, completing the weekend sweep of the series. The Eagles rallied from an early two goal deficit, scoring four unanswered goals in the second and third periods before giving up a goal at the very last second (literally). Tsongas Center has given the Eagles many problems over the years, but it’s nice to see them get some wins up there recently (if you recall, BC had a 3-2 comeback win last year as well!).

The first period started off opposite what we saw on Friday night, with Lowell taking the lead about four minutes in and putting the Eagles down 1-0 early. Nothing eventful happened for the next 14 or so minutes and BC was unable to generate any real chances. Lowell was able to capitalize on sloppy play with about two minutes remaining in the period, putting the Eagles down 2-0. BC also took a penalty while Lowell scored their second of the game, but they were able to kill it off. They entered the first intermission down two goals, and with only six shots on goal on the other end. It was… not great!

But not to worry!

For the first half of the second period the Eagles generated a couple of chances, along with Newhook getting absolutely robbed at the right post — and for a while, it did seem like this game was just not going to be great. Then, Giles and a Lowell player went off for matching roughing penalties. Mike Hardman got BC on the board with a shot that was deflected in past Lowell’s goalie, making it 2-1. About a minute later, still playing 4-on-4 hockey, Drew Helleson fired a one timer that found the back of the net — tying the game at two. The Eagles got a power play chance a little bit after but were unable to capitalize to take the lead, and they entered the second intermission tied at two. They were able to hold Lowell to five shots on goal this period, while getting eight shots on goal themselves.

Nine seconds into the third period, Nikita Nesterenko put the Eagles up 3-2, giving them their first lead of the night. Four minutes later, Jack McBain scored to put BC up 4-2. At one point during the period Lowell thought they’d scored to cut the two goal deficit, but it was eventually waived off because it was pretty obviously kicked into the goal. BC was able to kill a penalty to preserve their two goal lead going into the last few minutes of regulation. Lowell did score right as the buzzer went off, but the Eagles took the W.

Some notable things: Drew Helleson had a three point night, and Jack McBain and Nikita Nesterenko had two point nights themselves. Spencer Knight came up big, as he usually does, and made 29 saves for the night. Overall an enjoyable game! (only after the first period)