‘08-’09 Mid Year Report Card: Defensemen Part II

Argh.. it’s been a little while, and with the Denver Cup coming up tomorrow, it doesn’t look like I’m going to get all of these report cards done before the tourney, but I’m going to try to get the defensemen in, and we’ll take a look at the forwards after the tournament.  If you missed the previous report card on the first batch of defensemen, you can check out their grades here.  For now, though, I’ll pick up right where I left off.

#7  Brian Strait (16 GP 1-1-2, 26 PIM, +4)

I have to admit that Parker did surprise me a bit with Strait being named an assistant captain, but he has lived up to the role well.  Strait, much like Gryba, is more effective when staying home and taking care of business, but he has also managed to get himself involved offensively somewhat as well.  I do like how he stepped up to defend his teammates against BC, especially when Lawrence took that nasty hit  He seems to be quite vocal, and a good leader on the ice.  No real complaints about his play so far this year, though I would like to see him pot a few more!

Grade: A-

#8 Steve Smolinsky (1 GP 0-0-0, o PIM, Even)

Steve is converted over from being a forward in previous years… and again hasn’t gotten much playing time.  He has played only one game, and didn’t make many mistakes, but didn’t really make much happen either.  In the interest of fairness, there’s not really enough to grade him on, but he wasn’t on the ice for any opposing goals… so we’ll pass him.  Steve’s got speed, but not too much else.  Perhaps we’ll see him in the first game at the Denver Cup.  Being a natural forward, I’m not to sure we will… but his efforts are appreciated regardless.  He hasn’t really gotten a chance at BU, unfortunately for him.

Grade: C+

#25 Colby Cohen (15 GP 1-12-13, 23 PIM, +5)

Colby’s season has been one of highs and lows.  The lows are definitely the amount of times that he has been beaten to a puck, made a boneheaded pass or play, or taken a stupid penalty.  That being said, he is one of the highest scoring defensemen in Hockey East, a tribute to his abilities on the offensive end.  However, has that really helped him overcome his apparent weaknesses on the defensive side?  In my opinion… not quite.  He is a defenseman, and must learn to better take care of the puck in his own zone.  I’m very happy that he’s getting a lot of points, though.  Let’s hope that without Shattenkirk to back him up, Colby picks up his play.

Grade: B-

#97 Matt Gilroy (16 GP 1-9-10, 2 PIM, +5)

Regarded as one of the most sought-after free agents to be available to the NHL, Gilroy surprised everyone in Terrier nation by returning to school to complete his degree, and Captain the Terriers in his Senior year.  Again, he has proved to be a valuable offensive defenseman, often stepping up into the play and keeping the puck in the zone very well.  He is particularly good at breaking the puck out of his own zone, able to manuver the puck by himself into the offensive zone.  My only concern this year is that he may be a little too concerned with his offense.  Don’t blame him, since the scouts are all over the place, but it can be a little scary sometimes.  That being said, he’s one of BU’s most solid players.

Grade: A-

I think it’s pretty clear that the Terrier Dmen are a very solid bunch, as I had stated in the previous half of the report card.  They are a key to BU’s success this year, especially with the freshmen goaltenders.  They’ll be down one for the Denver Cup, with Kevin Shattenkirk being gone.  I don’t know who we’ll see, I suspect we may see Ruikka in the first game against RPI, and depending on how he does, he may play the second night against Denver/Holy Cross.  We’ll take a break from the report cards for coverage of the upcoming Tournament, so the forwards’ grades are on hold!

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