By: Jason Mastrodonato, News Staff

With head coach Greg Cronin temporarily suspended for potential recruiting violations, the men’s hockey team turned up the heat on No. 1 Boston College with a 2-1 victory at sold-out Matthews Arena Saturday night.

With the win, the Huskies clinched a spot in the Hockey East playoffs.

“That was huge,” said sophomore goaltender Chris Rawlings. “Especially after the last couple games against these guys. It just helps us climb up the ladder in Hockey East. Three out of four points against the No. 1 team in the country – we’ll take that anytime.”

Rawlings got back on track after allowing 13 goals in the past two games against the Eagles (a 7-6 overtime loss in the Beanpot, and a 6-6 tie Friday night at Conte Forum), making 36 saves. The only goal was a wrist shot that pinged off the post from Cam Atkinson, as the NU defense was a sturdy shield for most of the game, blocking 18 shots.

The freshmen continued their maturity process, as rookie forwards Brodie Reid and Braden Pimm each scored for the Huskies.

Northeastern will play No. 9 New Hampshire in a conference home-and-home series next weekend, lead by interim head coach Sebastien Laplante.