Uconn vs. Providence Series Preview

As the sprint toward the end of the college hockey season starts, every game becomes important, especially conference games.

This week one of the most anticipated games sees two top ten teams play. It will be a great matchup between two Hockey East teams.

This week No. 9 UConn travels to play No. 7 Providence.

In their history, UConn and Providence have played only 24 times. In those meetings, Providence has won 14 times, while UConn has only won six times. They have also only tied for four times.

The last time these two teams played was February of last year. The Huskies were able to best the Friars by a score of 2-1.

UConn played Sacred Heart in their last game which they ended up winning 1-0 nothing.

Filip Sitar scored with just under six minutes into the first period which would be enough for the Huskies to hold off Sacred Heart.

Providence lost to UMass Lowell by a score of 1-0 in their last game. UMass Lowell scored in the final seconds to keep the game from going to overtime.

It has been a great year for both teams as Providence has a 15-6-3 record while UConn has a 14-8-2 record.

Joey Muldowney has been the best player for UConn this season. He leads the team in points with 23 just under a point per game.

Muldowney is tied with Ryan Tattle for the team lead in goals this season with 12 for each of them

The power play has been an area where UConn has struggled this season as they are only converting at 19 percent with the extra man.

On the flip side, the penalty kill has been great for the Huskies their opponents have only converted on 17 percent of their power plays.

In Net, the Huskies will likely start Tyler Muszelik who has been a solid goalie this year. He’s posted a .918 save percentage and a 2.16 goals-against average.

For the Friars they are led in points by Logan Will who has 20 points on the season.

Tanner Adams has been putting the puck in the net for the Friar as he leads the team in goals with 10.

In net for the Friars will likely be Philip Svedebäck. He has been an ok goalie for the Friars as he has a .914 save percentage and a 2.37 goals-against average.

If Providence decides not to start Svedebäck then they can start Zachary Borgiel who has also been really good. He’s posted a .934 save percentage and a 2.02 goals-against average.

It is going to be a great home-and-home series this weekend between these two teams. Hockey East is the best conference in hockey and will be sending many teams to the NCAA tournament.

This matchup could be one that decides the standings in Hockey East and will play an important role in pairwise rankings.

Game one will be Friday at 7:00 p.m. in Providence, RI and Game two will take place at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in Hartford, CT

Andrew Matz is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email atm5759@psu.edu.