Neither team showed a strong advantage over the first 40 minutes of Hockey East action at the Tsongas Center, but UMass-Lowell used a late goal on Northeastern to take a 1-0 lead. The River Hawks held their second consecutive shots advantage in the period at 9-5.
Rookie Michael Colantone scored his fourth goal of the season and third in the last four games at the 16:38 mark of the period, taking the assist from fellow rookie linemate Ryan McGrath for the low screened shot in front of NU senior keeper Chris Rawlings.
River Hawk freshman goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was announced as the starter during the pre-game team introductions and has had a strong night, pitching a shutout thus far with ten saves.
UML has enjoyed much success when leading after two periods in each of the past two seasons, having compiled a remarkable 23-1-1 record since the start of last year.
Joshua Kummins is the Hockey East beat writer and a weekend editor for SB Nation Boston. Follow him on Twitter @JoshuaKummins.