UConn takes care of business at Vermont to clinch fourth-place finsh

Before the puck even dropped on UConn men’s hockey’s regular season finale, the team was already halfway towards clinching fourth place in the Hockey East standings. Boston University had opened up a 4-0 lead in the first period on Providence and if that held, the Huskies just needed a regulation victory over 10th-place Vermont to secure home ice in the quarterfinals. Easy enough.

At least on paper. Out of the gate, UConn didn’t look ready to hold up its end of the bargain. The Huskies failed to register a single attempt for the first eight minutes and spent most of that time in their own defensive zone.

“We started slow. Even though we were up 2-0 after one, I didn't think that was one of our best periods,” head coach Mike Cavanaugh said postgame.

“We didn't really start on time tonight,” Tabor Heaslip concurred.

In spite of that, they took a 2-0 lead in the opening period, built the cushion to three in the middle stanza and ultimately came away with a 4-1 victory. In the end, UConn took care of business.

“It's a good team win,” Cavanaugh said.

Subscribe to Premium to read the rest.