Women’s Hockey: BU looks to extend winning streak against Northeastern

Featured image by Spirit Veron

By Ryan Owens

The No. 14 Boston University Terriers (18-8-1, 15-4-1 HE) are looking to stretch their win streak to five games at the No. 13/12 Northeastern Huskies (18-9-1, 13-7-1 HE) on Tuesday night. 

BU has won their last four games, all of which have been against fellow Hockey East teams. The Terriers’ last loss came against Northeastern, a 4-0 defeat in the Beanpot final.

The Huskies lead the season series 2-1-0, with each game ending in a 4-0 result.

The team will likely be looking to defender Julia Shaunessy, who leads the roster with 16 points in 27 games played this season. Fellow defender and BU captain Tamara Giaquinto should also be a key contributor with 15 points.

Leading the team in goals is junior Sydney Healey, whose 11 goals have played a key role in the team having one of their best seasons.

The Terriers have two goaltenders they could turn to for this game. Starting most of the season has been senior Callie Shanahan, who has played to a .923 save percentage and a 1.73 goals against average. Shanahan started the team’s last game against Vermont, where she only allowed one goal on 18 shots.

However, BU could also turn to sophomore Mari Pietersen, who has started three of the team’s last four games, shutting out the opponent in two of those efforts. Overall, Pietersen has a .907 save percentage and a 1.95 goals-against average for the season.

Regardless of who starts in goal for the Terriers, BU will have a challenge facing Northeastern’s Skylar Irving. The senior forward leads her team with 25 points in 28 games this year, including a goal and an assist in the team’s last matchup against BU. 

In addition, Lily Shannon will be a player to look out for from the Huskies, sharing the team lead in goals with Irving. 

Starting for Northeastern will likely be freshman goaltender Lisa Jönsson, who holds a staggering .953 save percentage and a 1.17 goals-against average. The netminder had one of her weaker performances in her last start against UConn, but it should still be a challenge for the Terriers.

The game will be played at the Huskies’ Matthews Arena at 7:00 on Tuesday night. The game will be available to stream on both TSN+ and ESPN+.