AMHERST – Logan Sawyer's power play goal was the difference in UMass hockey's 2-1 loss to Providence Thursday night at the Mullins Center.

The Friars freshman one-timed a puck past Minutemen sophomore goalie Jackson Irving -- who made his first career start in net for UMass -- 4:03 into the second period on the man-advantage.

Despite a push during the third period that saw the Minutemen outshoot Providence, 10-9, two goals was all the Friars would need to extend UMass' winless streak to three games.

“The biggest issue for us right now is scoring,” Minutemen head coach Greg Carvel said. “We haven't had a goal from our top nine forwards for three games in a row here, so we have to get that fixed.”

Freshman defenseman Larry Keenan had UMass' lone goal, with a snap shot from the right circle, 1:19 into regulation.

“It's definitely nice to get the monkey off the back,” Keenan said. “Too bad we didn't get the outcome that we wanted, but it was definitely nice.”

However, two straight penalties from the Minutemen after Keenan's opening tally tipped the ice in favor of Providence.

Ryan O'Reilly tied the game for the Friars, 1-1, at 7:40 of the first period following extended pressure in the UMass end.

Irving finished the night with 26 saves, with his biggest stop coming on a breakaway late in the third period.

“I thought I gained a lot of confidence,” Irving said. “I felt pretty good and I thought the boys had my back all night, blocking shots and doing the best that they could.”

Irving appeared in relief of Michael Hrabal on Saturday in Vermont and felt that experience helped settle the nerves ahead of his first start Thursday.

“I think so, I think a little confidence boost,” Irving said. “Just a little smoother transition in the second game and I thought it helped.”

Carvel echoed that sentiment and even suggested that the Newbury native will see more game action soon.

“He's building a lot of trust, a lot of confidence,” Carvel said. “He played great in Vermont for 50 minutes and I thought he played great tonight. Made some big stops… it's his net for now.”

Aydar Suniev and Cole O'Hara picked up assists on Keenan's goal to up their point totals to 11 and 13, respectively.

Special teams favored the visitors as Providence went 1-for-3 on the man-advantage, while UMass finished 0-for-2.

The Minutemen will now have a day off to prepare for Saturday's tilt in Providence, with puck drop set for 6 p.m.

“I like it too because it gives you a day to reset and refresh,” Carvel said. “We'll do the most we can with that day.”