It's pretty difficult for a team to gain any momentum after it's given up three goals in the first eight minutes of the game. And even more difficult against a goalie that's opened the season as one of the hottest netminders in the conference.

That was the story for the University of Maine, who, despite controlling the tempo of the game in the early moments, lost 5-0 and trailed 3-0 after Northeastern took its first four shots of the game.

Northeastern goalie Brad Thiessen stopped 29 shots and set a new record at Northeastern for career shutouts, passing Keni Gibson, who set the record in 2004-2005.

"Keni Gibson's been a big name in Hockey East and to pass someone like that is a big honor," Thiessen said.

"He's always been a pretty good competitor and a good goalie," Maine goalie Dave Wilson (21 saves) said of Thiessen. "We're going to have to really take his eyes away and play a tougher game in front of him. He's played a lot in this league and it shows out there."

A bad sign this early in the season: When David Strathman scored Northeastern's fifth goal with about 13 minutes left in the game, the seats started to empty at the Alfond.

Worth noting: Nine penalties were called in the second period, including four at 12:47 # late hit penalties called on Northeastern's Kyle Kraemer and Dennis McCauley and Maine's Ryan Hegarty and Brett Carriere. … Maine captains Simon Danis-Pepin and Jeff Marshall played in their 100th career games on Friday.

Up next: Maine faces Northeastern at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the second game of the series, officially celebrating Homecoming. Don't worry, there should be enough parking after the football game against the Huskies. And you might be able to get Dave Capuano's autograph - the former Maine hockey player will be honored between periods.

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