Tyler Muszelik's strong start continues as he helps UConn hold off Ohio State

With 43.6 seconds left in Friday night’s contest against Ohio State, UConn men’s hockey found itself on the wrong side of a 6-on-4 situation. The Huskies had taken a 3-1 lead into the third period but now clung to a one-goal advantage. The Buckeyes had already pulled their goaltender but a holding penalty on Tom Messineo ensured they’d have two extra attackers the rest of the way.

Ohio State won the draw in its offensive zone — part of a 59.1 percent day at the dot for the visitors — and controlled the puck for the next 30 seconds. The Buckeyes moved it around the perimeter, looking for an opening before Felix Caron — the team’s leading scorer coming into the night — uncorked a one-timer from the point.

Despite a screen and additional traffic in front of him, UConn goaltender Tyler Muszelik gloved the shot to get a much-needed whistle with 15.3 seconds left. It was a massive play by the senior — not only did it deny Ohio State a chance at a rebound, the visitors never managed another shot on net.

“When [Caron] had that puck — I know he's a shooter, we pre-scouted — so just being aware and just looking around bodies, luckily I was able to pick it up before he shot it,” Muszelik explained.

That glove save helped the Huskies see out a valuable 3-2 win in which they didn’t exactly slam the door on the Buckeyes. UConn was out-shot 15-10 in the third as it sat back to try and hold on instead of pushing to secure the victory.

“We gotta learn how to like close out games,” head coach Mike Cavanaugh said postgame.

The Huskies were ultimately bailed out by their goaltender. Muszelik stopped 32 of 34 shots, though that hardly encapsulated his performance. He limited rebounds, knew when kill plays provided an all-around boost to the skaters in front of him.

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