There's been quite a bit of buzz going around about UNH forward Paul Thompson, and on Friday night at the Whittemore Center, the senior did not disappoint.
Thompson led the Wildcats to a 6-3 victory over the rivaled Maine Black Bears, scoring two goals including the game-opener at the 4:31 mark of the first period. He later notched the fifth goal of the night for UNH, capitalizing on a 4-on-3 advantage early in the third.
His first goal did more than just kick off the Wildcats' momentum, it also contributed to a career night for the Derry, N.H, native, as it served as the senior's 50th career goal and 100th career point at UNH.
The game was back and forth for a good portion of the night, and Maine definitely did not back down without a fight. Maine forward and 2010 Hobey Baker finalist Gustav Nyquist posted a hat trick on the night, scoring all three goals during the Black Bears' power play.
New Hampshire freshman Kevin Goumas scored his first collegiate goal in front of the "White Out" crowd in Durham, and sophomores Dalton Speelman and Austin Block also scored for the Wildcats.
Maine peppered UNH goaltender Matt DiGirolamo with shots throughout the night, taking a 40-25 edge in shots over the Wildcats. The junior netminder finished the night with 37 saves in his 16th win of the season.
Black Bears' goaltender Martin Ouellette finished the night with 19 saves, as his record drops to 3-3-2 on the year.
Thompson's red-hot success over Maine continues as he now has seven career points in nine games against the Black Bears. He has eight goals over the last six games played.
Maine and New Hampshire return to the ice on Saturday night to resume their heated rivalry. The puck drops at 7 p.m. on NESN, live from the Whittemore Center in Durham.
