Sawyer Scores In Overtime, No. 9 Men’s Hockey Rallies For 3-2 Win at No. 17 Maine

Sawyer Scores In Overtime, No. 9 Men’s Hockey Rallies For 3-2 Win at No. 17 Maine

February 1, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

ORONO, Maine – A dramatic comeback fueled by late-game heroics lifted the No. 9 Providence College Friars to a 3-2 overtime victory against the University of Maine Black Bears at Alfond Arena on Saturday, January 31st. The win extends Providence’s winning streak to seven games and solidifies their position in the Hockey East standings.

A Back-and-Forth Contest

The Black Bears drew first blood early in the first period with a goal from Justin Poirier at 4:45. Providence quickly responded, tying the game at 1-1 when Alex Rybakov finished a rebound off a shot from Tomas Machu at the 9:01 mark. However, Maine regained the lead before the end of the first period, as Loic Usereau scored at 16:47, sending the teams into the first intermission with a 2-1 score.

Last-Minute Drama and Overtime Winner

For nearly 40 minutes, neither team could find the back of the net. The game appeared headed for a Maine victory until a stunning sequence in the final seconds of regulation. With their goalie, Jack Parsons, pulled for an extra attacker, the Friars mounted a furious attack. Andrew Centrella capitalized on a cross-ice feed from Roger McQueen, scoring with just 5.5 seconds remaining to tie the game at 2-2 and force overtime.

Did You Know? Providence matched their most wins (8) in the month of January in program history, equaling the performance of the 1973-74 team.

The overtime period didn’t last long. Logan Sawyer, already the team’s leading goal scorer, netted his 11th goal of the season – and his second overtime winner in the last five games – assisted by Tanner Adams and Quinn Mantei, securing the 3-2 win for Providence.

Key Performances and Streaking Friars

Goaltender Jack Parsons was crucial in the victory, stopping 23 of 25 shots faced. Maine’s Mathis Rousseau also had a strong showing, making 20 saves. Roger McQueen led the Friars in scoring with two assists, while Logan Sawyer and Andrew Centrella each had a goal and two points. Providence’s dominance in Hockey East play continues, with an 8-0-0 record over their last eight conference games – their longest such streak since 2017.

Expert Insight: The Friars’ ability to consistently win close games, particularly in overtime, demonstrates a resilience and composure that will be valuable as they navigate the remainder of the Hockey East season. Their current winning streak highlights a strong team dynamic and effective systems play.

Looking Ahead

Providence will next be in action on Friday, February 6th, when they travel to play the University of New Hampshire. The Friars could continue their winning streak with a strong performance against the Wildcats. However, maintaining momentum on the road is always a challenge. A possible next step for Providence is to focus on consistent scoring throughout the entire game, rather than relying on late-game heroics. The team may also look to improve their power play, which went 0-for-4 against Maine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the game?

The final score was Providence 3, Maine 2 in overtime.

Who scored the game-winning goal for Providence?

Logan Sawyer scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

How many games has Providence won in a row?

Providence has won seven games in a row.

What does this kind of late-game resilience say about the mental fortitude of the Providence College hockey program?