UConn learns how to properly respond to adversity with lopsided win at Colorado College

Coming into this season, UConn men’s hockey had plenty to be excited about — returning talent on all three levels, some instant-impact freshmen and a hunger to avenge last year’s overtime defeat to Penn State in the NCAA regionals.

But head coach Mike Cavanaugh knew some questions wouldn’t be answered until the games began.

“What did Mike Tyson say? ‘Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.’ Then we'll see what happens. We haven't played a game yet. We haven't got punched in the mouth. So I don't know how this team is going to respond,” he said during the preseason. “Last year when we got swept by Merrimack, we responded in a great fashion. I don't know how this team is going to respond when, if that happens.”

It took one game for adversity to hit. On Friday, the Huskies failed that test. When Colorado College scored three goals in the span of 5:26 of game action, UConn strayed from its game and instead tried to make up the deficit individually.

The result? An uncharacteristically disjointed performance en route to a 4-1 defeat.

The following night, the Huskies again found themselves in trouble when they went down 1-0 midway through the first period. This time, they responded emphatically by scoring the next five goals to claim a blowout 5-1 victory.

Consider it a valuable lesson learned.

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