Huskies score two shorthanded goals in 3-0 win over Panthers
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Saint Mary's (3-0-0, 3-0-0) | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
|
UPEI (1-2-0, 1-2-0) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI - The Saint Mary's Huskies penalty kill came up big, as the Huskies scored two shorthanded goals and goaltender Jeremy Helvig stopped 17 shots in a 3-0 win over the UPEI Panthers on Wednesday night in Charlottetown, PEI.
The Huskies first two goals—both shorthanded—came late in the second period and were more than enough to extend their win streak. Jake Uberti (Toronto, ON) and Ben Boyd (Dartmouth, NS) scored those backbreaking goals, while McDonnell added the empty-netter in the end.
A lot of the action took place in the Panthers' defensive zone, as the home team struggled to generate much offensively. They were outshot 13-3 in the first period, with their first shot on net coming in at 15:34.
The saving grace for UPEI was goaltender Jonah Capriotti, who kept his team afloat by holding the Huskies off the scoreboard in the opening frame. Saint Mary's had two chances with the man-advantage, but couldn't get one by the all-star netminder.
The Panthers came out strong in the second period and their pressure led to some frustration by the Huskies, resulting in several power play opportunities, but UPEI couldn't capitalize on them.
After Kaleb Pearson thought he scored on a wrist shot set up beautifully by Elias Cohen, the puck ricocheted to Thomas Casey, who chipped it ahead to Uberti for the breakaway and eventual shorthanded goal, as he slipped one by Capriotti at 12:19.
HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��
— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 11, 2023
WILD end-to-end action and Jake Uberti finishes it off in style for the shorthanded goal to put @SMUMensHockey in front 1-0.
�� J. Uberti (3)
�� T. Casey pic.twitter.com/ll2QXYWMAw
About four and half minutes later, Ben Higgins cut toward the net and lost the puck before Boyd came in and fired a wrist shot in the top right corner to make it 2-0.
HUSKIES HIGHLIGHTS ��
— Saint Mary's Huskies (@SMUHuskies) October 11, 2023
This goal was all about the BENJAMINS baby! Ben Roger > Ben Higgins > Ben Boyd for the Huskies second shorthanded goal of the night and fourth shorty already this season!
�� B. Boyd (2)
�� B. Higgins
�� B. Roger pic.twitter.com/nbhgXUdBLK
Huskies forward Declan McDonnell (Buffalo, NY) added an empty net insurance goal late.
It's hard to question the Panthers' effort, as they held the Huskies—who were averaging eight goals coming into the game—to three goals. The defence was tested often, and for the most part they delivered, as Capriotti recorded 31 saves, while Jeremy Helvig (Kingston, ON) turned aside 17 shots for the Huskies.
The Huskies win improved their record to 3-0-0 on the season, with a league best 19-4 goal differential. The Huskies will hit the ice again on Saturday, as they host the Acadia Axemen at 7 p.m. as part of Saint Mary's Homecoming festivities. GET TICKETS
The Panthers loss drops their record to 1-2-0 on the season. They'll be back in action on Friday, as they visit the Acadia Axemen at 7 p.m. in Wolfville, NS.
Recap by Thomas Becker / UPEI Athletics
Photos by Janessa Vanden Broek / UPEI Athletics
