Your Northeastern Huskies opened up the 2023-2024 campaign this afternoon when they welcomed in the Penn State Nittany Lions for a pair at historic Matthews Arena. At the end of 60, the Huskies got the dub and Gwyneth Philips earned her 17th career shutout as NU skated to a 1-0 home opener. Clearly Philips had accepted her mission.
The Huskies got it going in the first as one of the young pups got the party started in her first career game at Matthews and on her first NCAA shot on net (also got her first PIM later in the game, but no harm no foul). Peyton Compton tucked in a Skylar “Mayor of Kingston” Irving rebound to put NU up with just 4 seconds gone on the power play. Top tier celly from Ms. Compton as she looked perfectly comfortable with some PP minutes.
Northeastern carried the play for the opening 20 and were def aided by Penn State’s lack of discipline as the visitors took 3 penalties to open the game. I’m no coach, but it seems fairly straightforward to not give the 5th ranked team in the nation that many power play opportunities, but again… not a coach. Speaking of coaching, after giving my advice on line combos to Coach Carp on the Northeastern Huskies season preview episode of the podcast, you can rest easy Huskies Faithful, Coach Carp took none of my advice. You can find that episode here and find all of our NU Huskies content on our Howlin’ Huskies YouTube channel.
In the middle frame, the game evened out more as the teams traded chances and the post whistle scrums became more frequent. As rusty as some of the play looked during the game, the goaltenders looked locked in and ready to duel. Philips especially was dialed in and looked in mid-season form.
The teams entered the 3rd with the score intact and one would have thought that Penn State would’ve brought more heat to finish off the game. Instead it was more of the same throughout the final frame as both teams worked the perimeter of the offensive zone with neither getting much of a set-up in front. I will say that while the flow and some of the passing looked off from the Huskies, there were glimmers of what this offense will be able to do as they build up some familiarity with each other and get to know their new liney’s tendencies a bit better.
Some bright spots and standouts:
The defense looks as good if not better than last year. Welcome back Kristina Allard as it looks like you haven’t missed a beat. Playing mostly with Tory Mariano, Allard looked perfectly comfortable out there again and was making quick decisions and smart outlets all game.
The Premier Power Forward in Women’s Hockey Today Katy Knoll, was out there doing Katy Knoll things once again. With some young legs on her wings(Holly Abela and Allie Lalonde), this line was effective all game. Lalonde’s speed was a difference maker in a number of spots this afternoon and generated many chances.
Mia Langlois not only laid out for a big block in the 2nd period, but she also drew a penalty in the first when after she toe-dragged a defender, and said defender was so embarrassed that she cross-checked Langlois in the Penn State slot directly in front of the officials.
Lily Yovetich was again penalized for being too strong on the puck. I see you Lily, they just can’t handle how much of a beauty you are out there. It’s not your fault that you toss defenders like tissues.
Irving (rumour has it that Skirv is a future podcast guest), Taze Thompson and Lily Shannon all stood out to me creating chances up front and were dogged on the fore-check, while Abbey Marohn and Meg Carter played their usual shutdown defense on the backend.
These two squads get back at it tomorrow at Matthews with a 2pm puck drop.
Oh yeah, as always… the gameday fits were immaculate. #HowlinHuskies
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