AMHERST — The UMass hockey team put up its highest goal total since Dec. 2, but fell one short in a fast-paced 6-5 loss to Northeastern at the Mullins Center on Tuesday.

The Minutemen (5-19-2, 2-11-1 Hockey East) drew within one midway through the third period when a pair of tape-to-tape passes by Ray Pigozzi and Niko Hilldenbrand set up Steven Iacobellis in front of the net for his second goal of the night, but that proved to be the final goal of the game.

“A lot of good signs tonight,” UMass coach Greg Carvel said. “I really liked how we played in Maine and I liked a lot of what I saw tonight, but we knew Northeastern is a very skilled team up front and I knew that if we gave them too many power plays it would be a long night for us.”

The Huskies (10-10-5, 4-8-3 HEA) added three power-play goals on seven opportunities, the difference in the game according to Carvel.

Northeastern scored twice in the first period, but both times UMass answered with a goal just over two minutes later to tie the game. The second came midway through the period when Jack Suter swatted a saucer pass from Austin Plevy out of midair and into the back of the net.

Carvel said the strong responses to the Huskies’ goals showed the progress the Minutemen have made this season.

“I think that’s one way we’ve grown as a team,” Carvel said. “It’s a good sign that these guys are starting to believe in what they’re capable of doing. That’s great to see and I think it’s a good sign for where we’re at right now.”

UMass took its only lead nearly four minutes later when Jake McLaughlin scored his first collegiate goal, and the Minutemen’s first power-play goal in nearly a month and a half.

Ryan Wischow replaced Nic Renyard in net for UMass two minutes into the second period after Northeastern’s third goal. Wischow tallied 19 saves and allowed three goals during his nearly two periods in net.

“Our goaltending was subpar. We needed to have more saves tonight,” Carvel said.

Iacobellis led the Minutemen with two goals, both of which came directly in front of the net.

“I think we’ve been trying to drive the net for the last little bit here, and we probably haven’t got a fortunate bounce, and we were lucky enough to get some of those tonight, just sticking to it, going to the net, shooting pucks,” Iacobellis said. “My linemates made some really good plays tonight.”

For Northeastern, Adam Gaudette had two goals and an assist, while Dylan Sikura and Jeremy Davies each added a goal and an assist.

UMass will look to end its eight-game losing streak on Friday when it visits Boston University at 7:30 p.m.