Hockey East Takes 13-7 in Big 10/Hockey East Challenge

Hockey East leads the Big 10/Hockey East Challenge, 13-7, following Friday's action. With just four games remaining, Hockey East looks to be in good position to capture the inaugural challenge.

UMass-Lowell downed Michigan State, 4-1, at Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing, Mich. on Friday night. Four different players, Joseph Gambardella, Stephen Buco, Josh Holmstrom and Joe Pendenza, scored for the River Hawks. Commerce, Mich. native Connor Hellebuyck stopped 24 of 25 shots for the win in his home state.

After falling behind 2-0, Boston College scored three goals in a span of 1:11 of the first period to take a 3-2 lead over Minnesota. BC's Johnny Gaudreau scored the first of the three tallies, then Minnesota native Michael Sit potted two goals in just 11 seconds.

Taylor Cammarata scored a second period marker to even the score at three. Hudson Fasching and Travis Boyd scored the first two goals for the Gophers.

Thanks to a third period penalty shot goal by Alex Guptill, Michigan edged past Boston University, 2-1, at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines had tied the game 1:30 prior when Tyler Motte struck for a power play score. Freshman Robbie Baillargeon scored the only goal for the Terriers.

Three more games in the Big 10/Hockey East Challenge are on tap for Saturday. Boston University faces Michigan State, UMass-Lowell heads to Michigan and Penn State and Vermont play a neutral site game at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The challenge will come to an end on Sunday when Boston College and Minnesota play the series finale at Mariucci Arena.

Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, NCAA recruiting, NHL Draft prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.