After recent lackluster performances, head coach Greg Carvel switched up the lines to breathe some life back into the roster. With Václav Nestrašil slotting back in with Daniel Jenčko and Jack Galanek, the trio’s chemistry converted into a productive performance.

“They had a lot of chances,” Carvel said. “I didn’t like our game [in] the first period, but [in] the last 40 [minutes] a lot of guys played really well. [They] created a lot of chances, but we needed six goals tonight, unfortunately.”

Nestrašil put both of the second line’s goals into the back of the net, marking his eighth and ninth of the season for his second multi-goal showing. He also added an assist on Owen Murray’s tally. The freshman leads the Minutemen (8-8, 2-5 Hockey East) in scoring.

“Feels good, after a few games I haven’t scored [in], obviously [it kind of] was in the back of my head,” Nestrašil said. “Finally I can kind of check that off and focus on the next game.”

Late in the second period, Galanek rushed into the offensive zone on the power play with Nestrašil to his right. Just as the Hopkinton, Mass. native reached the crease, he slid the puck over to Nestrašil, smoothly passing it off while Black Knight goaltender Jacob Biron kept his attention on Galanek. With the puck on his stick, Nestrašil immediately sent it high, lofting it over Biron’s shoulder.

The two former United States Hockey League teammates made the seamless connection look easy, executing the pass to find an equalizer and bringing the game to a 4-4 tie.

While UMass held a 1-0 lead, Nestrašil netted the Minutemen’s second goal with under three minutes to play in the first period. On UMass’ second power play of the night, the Prague, Czechia native positioned himself out by the goal post to Biron’s right side. From the top of the left circle, Jenčko let off a wrister, aiming for his freshman teammate. The puck reached Biron’s right leg pad, and the Chicago Blackhawks prospect waited poised and ready, reaching with his stick to deflect the puck over Biron to double the Minutemen’s lead.

“I think we’re just kind of sticking to the plan,” Nestrašil said about the power play. “[We’re] doing what coach wants us to do and it’s working, so we’ve got to keep doing that.”

In addition to Nestrašil’s goals, Galanek also earned an assist on Murray’s goal, putting UMass on the board.

“I love [Galanek],” Nestrašil said. “He’s insane and as [I’ve] said multiple times, it’s a pleasure to play with him, and I hope [that] he stays as long as possible.”

Compared to the three other forward lines against Army, the second line has tallied the most goals on the season, sitting at a combined 15. Alongside Jack Musa and Francesco Dell’Elce, all three players on the second line are top-five in points on the Minutemen roster.

The second line will look to continue its momentum when UMass faces off against Northeastern in its final series of 2025. Both games will be hosted at Matthews Arena, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7. ESPN+ will stream the contests.
https://dailycollegian.com/2025/11/second-line-puts-up-fight-against-army-in-umass-hockeys-5-4-loss/