LOWELL — Jack Musa turned in a statement performance in the UMass hockey team’s 6-4 win over UMass Lowell at Tsongas Center on Sunday afternoon.
The junior forward netted a hat trick, plus recorded an assist, as the Minutemen plucked their seventh straight win in a gutsy effort.
“Linemates played unbelievably, set me up a bunch and I think we’re just going as a team,” Musa said. “We’re on that streak right now and we’re trying to continue that. We’re trying to double down on everything that seems to be working.”
Freshman Jack Galanek was the Minutemen’s next highest point-getter in the victory against the Riverhawks as the Hopkinton native dished out three assists, all primary helpers.
“Linemates are doing a great job getting open, making plays, making my life easy,” Galanek said. “I’m just trying to play to my strengths and just play with my head up and take what the game gives me.”
In UMass’ 3-2 overtime win against Northeastern on Friday, Galanek recorded two assists. The left-shot center’s season total is now up to 16.
Freshmen Lukas Klecka, Justin Kerr and sophomore Cam Dunn all found of the back of the net as well to supplement the Minutemen’s offense. Sunday’s win counted as the most goals UMass had scored in a game all season long.
“This group is finding ways to win,” UMass head coach Greg Carvel said. “Dunn helped us out at the end for the game-winning goal, but this was the Jack Musa show, if you ask me.”
Junior goalie Michael Hrabal didn’t have his best stuff against UML, allowing a couple of goals through the five-hole that he saw the whole way, but still earned the win with a 27-save performance.
These two teams will see each other two more times this week, with the Minutemen returning to Lowell on Friday, Feb. 6, before the Riverhawks head west to Amherst for the three-game series finale on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Puck drop for Friday’s contest is set for 7:15 p.m.