The Maryland Black Bears continued their four-game home stand by hosting the Northeast Generals in a 2023 first-round rematch of the East Division playoff series that saw Maryland sweep Northeast in three straight games. The Black Bears held a five-game win streak heading into tonight’s contest while the Generals looked to snap a five-game losing streak. And riding a third period rally, Northeast did just that, beating Maryland for just the fourth time in regulation at home 6-4.

The Generals started the scoring with a goal from forward Andrew DellaDonna, who snapped the puck from the slot past Black Bears’ goaltender Colin Ronan to make it 1-0 Northeast. Maryland responded with the next two goals to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission. The first goal was scored by forward Riley Ruh, who tapped a rebound past Generals’ goaltender Petter Wickström to tie it 1-1. Forward Tyler Stern gave Maryland the 2-1 lead with a wrist shot from the slot. However, just 13 seconds into the second period, the Black Bears turned the puck over while trying to exit their zone, leading to the puck finding a wide-open Generals’ forward in Ben Campeau who let a wrist shot go that beat Ronan to tie the game at 2-2. Maryland responded with a goal from forward Ryder Nienhuis, who tapped in a pass in the slot from defenseman Trayce Johnson to give the Black Bears the 3-2 lead. The Generals got the goal back with a snap shot goal on the powerplay from forward Joey McGraw to tie the game up 3-3. Maryland retook the lead 42 seconds later when Trayce Johnson redirected the puck past Wickström to make it 4-3 Black Bears.

Northeast tied the game up early in the third period when Colin Ronan attempted to clear the puck but hit Generals’ forward Ryan Remick instead and saw the puck ricochet into the empty net to tie the game 4-4. Ronan was lifted in favor of goaltender Owen Lepak. Another Maryland turnover saw Northeast forward Frank D’Ancona get the puck at the top of the far circle and let a slap shot go top right corner for the 5-4 lead. Generals’ forward Sixten Jennersjo sealed the deal with an empty net goal to make the final score 6-4.

Maryland and Northeast rematch on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET at Piney Orchard Ice Arena. All games can be streamed on NAHLTV.