NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — Fresh off of a seven-game road trip, Merrimack was back at home facing a hot Northeastern squad prepping for the big Beanpot tournament in just two weeks.
The game was filled with special teams play and two quick goals by Northeastern early in the third period helped the Huskies claim a 5-2 victory.
“It was almost a little bit of deja-vu from last year when we played them,” said Northeastern coach Jim Madigan. “In the third period, those two big goals helped create some separation for ourselves. I thought we were heavy and won puck battles and I’m pleased with the two points.”
The first period started off with both teams creating their own chances and playing an even game. Merrimack broke the ice when Jared Kolquist fired a shot that was tipped in front by Brett Seney to give the home team a 1-0 lead.
Northeastern had a five-on-three late in the period, but couldn’t cash in. Zach Aston-Reese had almost an empty net, but couldn’t put it home and the period ended in a 1-0 score.
The second period was filled with more penalties and four goals. Northeastern tied the game 1-1 with an early goal from Dylan Sikura, who jammed one past Collin Delia.
Just two minutes later, Mathieu Tibbet scored on a feed from Brian Christie to take the 2-1 lead early on in the middle frame.
Midway through the second, Northeastern’s Mike McMurtry found a loose puck to tie the game 2-2 and then late in the period, Lincoln Griffin scored to give his team the 3-2 advantage.
The third period saw Northeastern break away from the game with two quick goals in the first two minutes of the period, John Stevens and Sikura the goal scorers.
“Tonight was like pins and needles – we probaly did more damage to ourselves,” said Merrimack coach Mark Dennehy. “I won’t take anything away from Northeastern. They’re playing well and have always gave us some trouble. We just turned too many pucks over, too many self-inflicted wounds.”
