Box Score

Sophomore F Scott Wilson (Oakville, Ont.) scored two goals in the first period as No. 20 UMass Lowell won its sixth straight game – a 4-2 victory over the University of Vermont Friday night at the Gutterson Fieldhouse.

With the win, UMass Lowell improved to 10-7-1 overall and 4-6-1 in Hockey East (tied for seventh) entering Saturday night's rematch with the Catamounts (7:05). The River Hawks six straight wins is their longest win skein since the 2001-02 season when they won nine straight games.

Vermont slipped to 6-10-4 overall and 3-7-4 in Hockey East (sixth place).

The victory was also UMass Lowell's first at the Gutterson Fieldhouse since Mar. 14, 2009, snapping a four-game winless streak (0-2-2).

The win also marked the sixth straight game in which UMass Lowell held an opponent to two goals or less. Additionally, the River Hawks killed off four more power plays, increasing their streak to 27 straight and 33 of the last 34.

Vermont opened the scoring – against the run of play as UMass Lowell was leading on shots 8-4 – 7:49 into the first period. Junior F Connor Brickley possessed to Hellebuyck's left behind the goal and passed to junior F Anthony DiCenza unmarked in front of the goal, who wristed off the left post and in.

The lead was short-lived as Wilson leveled matters at 10:54. Freshman D Christian Folin (Gothenberg, Sweden) let fly from the right side which Wilson redirected past freshman G Brody Hoffman in front of the crease.

Wilson gave UMass Lowell a 2-1 lead at 19:32 when a shot by junior D Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego, Calif.) deflected off the boards, leaving the rebound to junior F Joe Pendenza (Wilmington, Mass.), who was snuffed by Hoffman. Wilson, however, was there for the spoils and shoveled home for the lead.

A scoreless second half saw both teams come close and Vermont outshoot the River Hawks 10-2. Vermont nearly equalized midway through when sophomore F Colin Markison found space on the right side, but Hellebuyck was at his best to deflect and clear.

UMass Lowell nearly went ahead 3-1 in the final minute when Josh Holmstrom (Colorado Springs, Colo.) took a pass from Wilson and shot from the right of the cage, but Hoffman reacted well to save.

The goal would come for Holmstrom 10:33 into the third period as freshman F Ryan McGrath (O'Fallon, Mo.) shot from the right point for Holmstrom to redirect underneath Hoffman.

Vermont quickly cut the deficit to one goal. On a delayed penalty at 14:57, sophomore D Nick Luukko took a pass from junior F Matt White and one-timed past. Hellebuyck.

Just 1:26 later, however, freshman Adam Chapie (Oxford, Mich.) scored shorthanded to seal the win. Folin poke-checked to Chapie, who broke free down the right side and beat Hoffman short-sided.

UMass Lowell nearly scored a fifth goal 37 seconds later when McGrath was awarded a penalty shot after he was impeded from behind on a breakaway. McGrath attempted to beat Hoffman to his right, but Hoffman got his right leg out to deflect wide.

UMass Lowell outshot Vermont 25-23.