Mike McLaughlin had six shots on net on Saturday. (Photo: Hockey East)

BOSTON — Chris Rawlings was peppered with a season-high 49 shots as Providence and Northeastern concluded their hard-hitting weekend series with the same result as Friday night, a tie. Alex Tuckerman cleaned up a rebound try from Mike McLaughlin late in the first period to give the Huskies the lead, but back to back goals by the Friars in the second period (including one on a 5-minute major power play) gave PC the lead. However, late in the frame Adam Reid received a nicely-placed stretch pass on the wing, cut to net, and scored five-hole on Alex Beaudry.

Click here for the box score.

Our observations are after the break…

Our observations

• Chris Rawlings, despite 47 saves, was the culprit for at least one soft goal given up by the Huskies, an innocent-looking shot from beyond the blue line. Rawlings moved slowly to cover the blocker-side post, but left too much space for the puck to flutter through, giving the Friars the lead at the time. Though Rawlings stopped a flurry of Providence shots, the goal proved to be the difference between a win and a tie for NU.
• The Huskies’ offense was handcuffed again without three main cogs in the lineup (Vrolyk, Quailer, and Ferriero), but Adam Reid had another stellar performance, notching his fifth career goal that proved to be the game-tying tally for the Huskies. If Quailer and/or Vrolyk are available next weekend, it will be a huge lift for the Huskies’ offense, which has been held to two goals or fewer in the last four games.
• Better rotation and communication on offense, especially the power play (and notably the second unit of the PP) helped grab the Huskies some chances, including Tuckerman’s power play goal in the first period. The lines rewarded with chances were the ones with the hardest forechecking work, best communication, and least selfish play – just as it should be.
• Northeastern took

Quotable

“I thought our guys worked hard, there was good energy and they competed for pucks, but I thought at times we got a little bit undisciplined. We haven’t really been undisciplined the last few games.” – Northeastern coach Jim Madigan

“We had some chances around the net, we couldn’t convert around the net. We’ve got to a do a better job converting around the net.” – Northeastern coach Jim Madigan

“It felt like a playoff game, to be honest… our team is happy to come out with a couple of points this weekend and I feel like it’s nice to see a playoff tempo from our team going into the last couple weekends.” – Northeastern forward Alex Tuckerman

Next up

The Huskies host the University of Maine for two games at Matthews Arena.

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