SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame hockey team defeated No. 6/6 Boston University, 4-1, Friday night behind a 43-save performance from Ryan Bischel and goals from four individual skaters.
Despite the Terriers opening the scoring Friday night with a goal at 4:44 of the first period, the Irish bounced back quickly, scoring three goals before the end of the period to take the 3-1 lead into the first intermission.
Drew Bavaro struck first for the Irish in the opening stanza, firing a shot from the high slot on the powerplay to even the score, 1-1, at 9:53 of the first.
The Irish goal flurry continued late in the period with goals from Landon Slaggert and Justin Janicke as the Irish carried the two-goal into the remaining 40 minutes of play.
The Irish took advantage of a powerplay opportunity early in the second period following some extracurriculars after the whistle at 1:38 of the middle frame. Danny Nelson took just six seconds to capitalize on the man-advantage, scoring his second in an Irish sweater this season, and giving Notre Dame the 4-1 lead.
The goal off the stick of D. Nelson would prove to be the final of the night for both sides as the Irish claimed the 4-1 game one victory over the visitors.
Bischel stopped 43 shots between the pipes Friday night, setting his season high, including all 18 shots faced in the final stanza.
GOALS
- Drew Bavaro opened the Irish scoring Friday night with a wrister from the top of the slot at 9:53 of the first period. Maddox Fleming sent a pass over to Patrick Moynihan, feeding the puck over to Bavaro who walked it in from the point to knot things up, 1-1.
- Ryan Siedem skated the puck up the ice before centering a pass back to Landon Slaggert who tucked the puck home from the doorstep for the eventual game-winner. Moynihan also picked up an assist on the play, his second of the night.
- The Irish rushed the Terriers’ zone late in the first period with Brennan Ali skating the puck into the offensive end before finding Justin Janicke out front for the 3-1 tally. With the primary assist on the play, Ali recorded his first point with the Blue and Gold.
- Danny Nelson ripped a one-timer off from the near circle to give the Irish the 4-1 final. His powerplay goal was assisted by Bavaro and Fleming.
KEY STATS
- Landon Slaggert’s game-winner was his first of the year and his third lamp lighter of the season. He leads the team in goals, having scored in each home game thus far.
- With a goal and an assist Friday, Drew Bavaro recorded his first multi-point game of the season, and fifth in an Irish sweater.
- Patrick Moynihan tallied a pair of assists in Friday’s victory, including the set up of the game-winner. His assist on the first goal of the night was his first career point with the Irish.
- Maddox Fleming also recorded his first multi-point night with the Irish, assisting on the first and final goals of the evening. The freshman forward now boasts three points in four games played.
- Seven Irish skaters highlighted the box score Friday night, including Bavaro, Moynihan and Fleming who led the team with two points each.
- Justin Janicke scored his first goal of the season late in the first period to give the Irish the 3-1 lead.
- Ryan Bischel set a season high save count with 43 stops on 44 shots faced. The visitors also fired 18 shots on the Irish goaltender in the final period of regulation.
- Notre Dame capitalized on two of their five powerplay chances Friday night as Drew Bavaro and Danny Nelson each found the back of the net on the man-advantage.
- The Irish killed off all six Terrier powerplay opportunities, including a six-on-four chance late in the game as BU opted for the extra skater in place of the goaltender.
UP NEXT
The Irish and Terriers return to Compton Family Ice Arena to close out the regular season series Saturday night with a 6:05 p.m. puck drop.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the annual Hocktoberfest celebration, located on the lawn outside the arena from 4-6 p.m. Food, drinks, and games will be available.