After being ranked No. 3 in USCHO.com’s preseason poll, Providence has hovered around the bottom of the college hockey rankings thanks to a slow start.
But the Friars might have given themselves a chance to move up.
No. 18 Providence (16-8-1) outplayed No. 5 UMass-Lowell (15-7-3) in a 4-1 victory at Schneider Arena on Saturday. Junior forward Adam Chapie got the River Hawks on the board first in the opening frame, but the Friars handled things from there on out.
Senior forward Ross Mauermann got things rolling for Providence with a goal midway through the second period. Junior forward Noel Acciari put the Friars ahead less than a minute later, and Anthony Florentino and Jake Waldman notched two more to give Providence a four-goal second period and the commanding lead. The rally chased the River Hawks’ Jeff Smith from the net in favor of Olli Kalkaja.
Providence also outshot UMass-Lowell 32-23, while goaltender Jon Gillies earned his 50th career win.
Both teams get a week off before they each play another Hockey East matchup Friday. UMass-Lowell will travel to Merrimack, while Providence will take the trip up I-95 to Boston College.
Around the League
Boston College 3, UConn 2
Boston University 2, Vermont 1 (OT)
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@FriarsHockey
