UConn bounces back with 3-1 win over Holy Cross

UConn men’s hockey bounced back with a gritty 3-1 win over the Holy Cross Crusaders at the XL Center to split the weekend series. The visitors scored first but the Huskies responded with three unanswered goals from Joey Muldowney, Trey Scott and Tabor Heaslip to earn the victory.

Tyler Muszelik didn’t face much action — just 12 shots — but came up with a big save in the final minutes to keep UConn ahead.

The power play continued to struggle, failing to convert on four opportunities — including a long 5-on-3.

UConn’s penalty problem carried over from Friday night — it took just 24 seconds for the Huskies to take their first and they went to the box three times in total during the opening period. Luckily, their penalty kill didn’t follow suit. After allowing three power play goals the previous game, UConn killed off the three penalties without even allowing a shot on goal in the opening period.

The unit ultimately finished with a perfect 5-5 performance.

While Holy Cross didn’t capitalize on any of the man-advantages, it did take a 1-0 lead when the Huskies turned the puck over deep in their own zone. UConn didn’t trail for long. Just 1:20 later, Muldowney cleaned up a loose puck and scored from a tough angle to make it 1-1.

UConn took the lead in the middle stanza by pinning the Crusaders in their zone. The visitors attempted to clear the puck but only got it to the top of the circle, where Scott picked it up and scored on a shot off the post for his first collegiate goal in his first collegiate game.

Despite owning the second period — the Huskies didn’t allow a shot on goal for the first 15 minutes — they only led by one at the break.

UConn had a chance to put the game away when it had a long stretch of power plays — including an extended 5-on-3 — but the unit failed to capitalize. The Huskies’ penalty kill nearly doubled the advantage on a 2v0 rush, but Heaslip hit the post.

Still, the third period melted away without much action until Holy Cross pulled the goalie with over three minutes left. Muszelik stepped up with a big save on a rebound to preserve the lead and Heaslip scored an empty-netter to secure the victory.

With the win, UConn improves to 3-1-0 on the young season. Next, the Huskies will begin Hockey East play when they travel up to face No. 3 Boston University on Friday night.