MAINE AND NORTHEASTERN SKATE TO 1-1 TIE

Senior forward Adam Shemansky assisted on the game-tying goal for the Black Bears

BOSTON - A goal from Kevin Roy and a season-high 42 saves from senior netminder Chris Rawlings helped the Northeastern men's hockey team (6-10-2, 3-8-3) to a 1-1 draw against Maine (5-12-3, 1-7-3) on Friday night at Matthews Arena.

The Black Bears held a 43-32 edge in shots on goal for the game, while NU won 41-of-77 draws, led by Braden Pimm's 18-of-31 performance. Both teams were 0-of-4 on the power play.

Aiding Rawlings' big effort was sophomore defenseman Dax Lauwers. Lauwers blocked seven shots and was a force to be reckoned with all night on the blue line. Freshman Kevin Roy and junior Cody Ferriero upheld their torrent pace, extending their point streaks to three games with a goal and an assist, respectively. Newcomer Mike McMurtry gained his first career point streak with an assist on the night as well.

Northeastern offered the first good chance of the game when sophomore Josh Manson and Pimm worked a 2-on-1 in the early goings. Manson nearly potted Pimm's rebound off the boards, but the puck sailed just wide.

At 13:42, the Huskies and Black Bears skated four per side at 13:42 after Steven Swavely went off for hooking. At 12:18, sophomore defenseman Dax Lauwers was whistled for boarding and despite no goals, Roy nearly drew first blood on a breakaway. Roy attempted high, glove side, but Ouellette made a great read and stopped the shot. Moments later, though, Roy got his revenge to give Northeastern the early lead.

Lauwers swept the puck out of NU's zone out to junior Cody Ferriero in the neutral zone. Rookie Mike McMurtry joined Ferriero in a battle in the far corner and won it out to Roy on the far post. Roy triggered low and Ouellette made the initial save, but was out of position to stop Roy's put back for the 1-0 Huskies' lead at 16:06.

The second period was all Northeastern, but Maine benefitted from a broken play in the Huskies' end and knotted the game up, 1-1, at 5:27. Adam Shemansky wrangled the puck loose on the forecheck and wheeled it behind Rawlings. Bill Norman slipped between a pair of NU blue liners and was in prime position to bury the one-timer pass.

Senior Steve Morra and McMurtry nearly regained NU's advantage in front of the net midway through the second stanza, but just missed on the conversion. As the second period waned, Maine's Joey Diamond took consecutive penalties at 15:25 and 17:57, but the Black Bears' penalty killing efforts kept Northeastern off the board.

The Huskies gained an early man advantage after Kyle Beattie was sent to the box for an elbow at 4:33 of the third period, but returned the favor to Maine at 10:10 when Roy went off for slashing. Neither squad converted on the power play, but Northeastern nearly scored just as Roy exited the box. Northeastern swarmed Ouellette on the crease but a Black Bear defenseman poked a rebound out of the way at the very last second.

Both clubs had their chances down the stretch in regulation, but neither could break the stalemate as the contest headed to the extra frame.

The Huskies have tomorrow night to prepare for a big weekend against their Boston rivals on Jan. 18-19. On Friday night, Northeastern skates against Boston University for the first time on Friday night at Agganis Arena. Friday's contest will be aired on NESN. The following evening, the Huskies welcome Boston College to Matthews Arena for a 7 p.m. tilt. The Jan. 19th game against BC will be broadcast live on WBIN.

Game Notes

- Senior netminder Chris Rawlings surpassed Brad Thiessen (2006-09) for the second most saves all-time at Northeastern. Heading into Friday's game vs. Maine, Rawlings trailed Thiessen's mark of 3,166. With the 42 saves, Rawlings is alone in second place with 3,203 career stops. Rawlings also tied Thiessen for most games played in net with 111 career appearances and trails Keni Gibson's (2001-05) mark of 115 games played by just four showings.

- Kevin Roy and Cody Ferriero are riding three-game point streaks after tonight's contest. Roy has accounted for seven points (2-5-7) in three games while Ferriero has just as many with six goals and an assist. Mike McMurtry pieced together his first career point streak with assists in his last two consecutive outings.

- Northeastern and Maine are now 5-4-17 in overtime contests. The last time both clubs tied was on Jan. 22, 2011 (3-3) at Matthews Arena.