The second period started with the same tempo as the first, with UConn maintaining possession early. UMass, who only managed to squeeze out three tallied shots against Rob Nichols and Co. managed to match that total by the fourth minute and seemingly woke up, however slightly, from the daze they were in during the first period. All three were easily discarded by Nichols.
The two sides again traded possession until a nice pass by Naas to Gerling lead to a a bizarre backhand at Mastalerz that he definitely did not see coming. Gerling banked it off what seemed like the lower back of Mastalerz and passed the red line for the third goal of the game, his 11th. From there, UMass pulled their goal and played Henry Dill in his 23rd appearance of the year.
Not short after the goal, Corey Ronan was given two minutes for boarding. The power play was completely unsuccessful for the Minutemen, managing just two shots and an immediate penalty directly after Ronan left the box. Mike Busillo was called for roughing after tackling Derek Pratt in the crease. UConn was slightly more successful during their power play, in that they didn't lose a player but they also managed two shots with no result.
Nichols looked great throughout the period. Despite barely being tested in the first, he maintained control throughout the second period, very rarely giving the Minutemen second chances at net and never looking out of position. UMass' best chance came on a pass that was deflected right in front of net, but Rob saw it all the way, snagging it in the glove nearly off the stick.
UConn went on the power play with about three minutes remaining thanks to a holding call against Marc Hetnik, but with four shots on net the Huskies were unable to capitalize once again. UConn managed two great shots on the faceoff following the return to even strength, but both were stopped by Dill. The horn sounded after two and the Huskies lead convincingly, 3-0.
Goals
UConn
06:49 – TREVOR GERLING, assisted by SPENCER NAAS and JACOB POE
UMass
None
Penalties
UConn
07:35 – COREY RONAN, 2min Charging
UMass
10:16 – MIKE BUSILLO, 2min Roughing
16:59 – MARC HETNIK, 2min Holding