Games 23 and 24 Preview: #2 BU v. #14 UNH

A huge series in Hockey East this weekend, as the Terriers of BU and the Wildcats of UNH meet for a home and home.  These games have always been entertaining, with the visitor tending to have their way in their opponent’s building.  UNH defeated the Terriers earlier in the season at the Whittimore Center in a very close game. Will BU be able to return the favor?  That’s what the Terriers will need to do in order to get their first victory against UNH at Agganis Arena, and they’ll have a shot on Friday.  Let’s see how the teams match up.

Statistically, the two clubs are very similar offensively.  Both have prolific scorers on many lines, but the difference really comes when you look at team defense and special teams.  UNH is giving up almost a goal more per game than the Terriers (2.05 to 3.00), and the BU power play is clicking at a staggering 24.6%.  UNH, on the other hand, converts on just 15.3% of their opportunities on the power play.  That could be the difference in the two games, but those of us who have seen a lot of these games know better.

Who to Watch Out For

James van Riemsdyk - There’s no way I get away with not mentioning JVR here.  The #2 pick two years ago struggled to live up to the hype his Freshman year, but has shown much growth and improvement in his sophomore season.  He’s currently tied for tops in Hockey East in scoring (with Colin Wilson and Brock Bradford).  He’s been held off the scoresheet but 5 times this season, but hasn’t scored or registered a point in the last three games.  We all know what that means… he’s due.  BU will need to check him hard and make sure that the opportunities he gets (and he will get opportunities) are not good ones.  Kevin Shattenkirk, for one, will likely remember how van Riemsdyk walked around him to score an incredible goal last season.

Kevin Kapstad - The senior defenseman boasts a +12 rating this season, one of the best in Hockey East so far.  He also has 15 points on the season, which nearly surpasses his past three seasons.  What’s even better for Kapstad is that he’s registered a point in the last 9 games for the Wildcats.  Look for Kapstad to try to set up plays from his end and run point on the PP.

Other Considerations

At least for Friday night, we’ve got to consider the location of the game.  The Terriers have never defeated UNH at Agganis Arena, a location that has been quite friendly to the Terriers so far this year.  Will this be the game that breaks that trend?  I certainly hope so.  Both teams are also trying to hold onto their positions in Hockey East to get home ice, and these games could have major implications on that.

Both games this weekend will be shown on NESN. (Hooray!)  Game time is set for 7:30 on Friday at Agganis Arena, 7:00 on Saturday at the Whittemore Center.  You can catch the BU broadcast online from BU’s official website or on AM 1510. Note that BU-All Access will not be available for this game.  UNH fans can catch the games locally on 102.3 FM WKXL and 1450 AM, or online here.

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Game 22 Recap: BU 5, BC 2

It’s been a few days (far too many) since the tilt between BU and BC at Agganis Arena, and I think it’s time that I provided a bit of a recap.  This has to have been one of the best performances for the Terriers yet this year, controlling play throughout much of the game. Read more

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Game 22 Preview: #2 BU v. #12 BC

The Terriers face off against Boston College tomorrow after defeating Merrimack tonight at Lawler Arena by a final score of 4-1.  However, the game against BC might feature a different cast of players for BU, as the game against the Warriors got chippy about halfway through the second.  A couple of Terriers may be sidelined for the game, which could have a tremendous impact on the game.  Let’s take a look at how the teams potentially match up.

The previous two games between the Terriers and the Eagles were low scoring affairs, tightly checked, with tremendous skill being exhibited by both clubs.  BU managed to make it out of the weekend with three points, tying the Eagles at home and defeating them on the road.  You can check out the youtube video on the sidebar for highlights of the game at the Heights.  Game recaps are also available here (home) and here (away).

Both teams have very potent offenses, with BU getting the nod slightly in that category.  BU also gets the nod slightly in terms of GAA, as Millan has been spectacular in net for the Terriers this year.  Both teams are killing penalties at the same rate, while BU’s power play converts at a higher percentage than the Eagles.  That being said, stats never seem to matter much when it’s a BU v. BC game.

Who to Watch Out For

Brock Bradford - The captain of the Eagles, Bradford is currently second in the nation in goal scoring, with 15 goals already potted on the season.  He’s scored in all but 5 of the BC games this year, and is averaging over a point a game.  Bradford is especially dangerous because of his speed and ability to handle the puck, as well as his quick shot.  He will be dangerous when BC is shorthanded, featuring a game that brings back memories of Nathan Gerbe on the shorthand…. and we all know how effective that kid was against BU.

John Muse - You can’t mention who could be dangerous for BC without mentioning John Muse.  He has started every game for the Eagles since he arrived on campus last year.  While his numbers this year are down from last year, he is no doubt the rock behind BC.  It will all be built out around Muse.  Muse is the type of goalie that can steal a win for his club, making key saves almost every time they need them.  While he has been beatable this year, he’s always played BU tough.  BU will need to get to him quickly and often.

Other Considerations

It’s a BU/BC game… what more can you really say.  Both teams will be amped for the game, and they bring out the best in each other.  Something to consider for the Eagles is that they’re coming off a tough loss to UML in overtime, with Nick Petrecki getting a major penalty just as regulation time expired.  This led to an extended PP for the River Hawks, who potted the game winner with a little less than a minute left in OT.  For BU, a tough game against Merrimack that got very chippy, Matt Gilroy and Chris Higgins may be out after getting flattened from behind as the Warriors tried to hit anything that moved.  I hope that’s not the case, as BU will need their senior leaders in this game.  It’s a shame that the game even came to that point.

Game time is set for 7PM at Agganis Arena.  You can catch the BU broadcast online from BU’s official website or on AM 1510.  BC fans can catch the game at 950 AM for the BC perspective, or online here.  The game will also be televised live on Comcast SportsNet.

Edit: The game will not be televised, as CSN as a conflict.  The game will be available through BU All-Access.

Edit 2: Looks like Higgy and Gilroy are confirmed out for tomorrow.  Source:  College Hockey News.  Thanks Sioux/BU Fan.

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Game 21 Preview: #2 BU v. Merrimack

It’s almost game time again, a quick turnaround after a disappointing game against Providence on Tuesday.  This time, the Terriers head to North Andover for the second meeting of the year against the Warriors of Merrimack College.  Let’s take a look at how the teams match up this time around.

This Merrimack team is sort of an enigma to me this year.  Overall, they haven’t played too poorly, as they’re only giving up an average of 2.45 goals per game, which isn’t too bad.  It’s being coupled with only scoring 2.05 goals per game, which just doesn’t cut it in Hockey East.  That being said, Merrimack has lost two tough games to Northeastern as well as defeated New Hampshire this year, which shows that the Warriors aren’t going to just roll over.  The last time the two teams met, BU won 5-2.  However, that BU team seemed to have much more jump than they have showed of late, which could be a concern, especially playing in the Warriors’ barn.

Who to Look Out For

Chris Barton - Without a doubt, he was an impact player the last time these two teams faced off.  He scored two goals less than 5 minutes apart in the second period to bring the Warriors within one.  He’s also the leading scorer for Merrimack thus far, and has been hot recently, tallying points in 5 of the last 6 Merrimack games.  If he is let loose, undoubtably he’ll make you pay.

Rob Ricci - The second leading scorer for Merrimack, and an key for the Warriors since he arrived on campus three years ago.  He’s scored in 5 of the last 7 Warrior games, which shows that this team is starting to heat up and play well together.  A leader, Merrimack will rally around his play.

Other Considerations

Despite their low number of wins, the goaltending tandem of Andrew Braithwaite and Joe Cannata has performed admirably this year.  Both feature decent GAAs despite the defense around them, and will be a huge part in how Merrimack performs on the ice.  Another factor that will likely play a big role is special teams.  Merrimack is particularly weak on the power play, which doesn’t bode well for them, especially with BU’s speedy forwards (read: Chris Connolly).

Game time is set for 7pm at Lawler Arena in North Andover.  You can catch the BU broadcast online from BU’s official website or on AM 1510.  Merrimack fans (and BU fans too) can watch the game live here.  There is a charge for this service.

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Game 20 Recap: BU 2, Providence 4

In a game that showed hard work does count out on the ice, Providence defeated BU by a score of 4-2 at Agganis Arena.  Matt Bergland was the number 1 star of the game, notching two goals.  Grant Rollheiser would absorb the loss for the Terriers, giving up 4 goals on 25 shots. Read more

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Game 20 Preview: #2 BU v. Providence

It’s Tuesday night hockey at Agganis Arena, as the Terriers take on the Friars of Providence college.  BU is coming off a strong victory against Maine, while Providence won its first Hockey East game on Saturday against UMass Lowell.  Let’s see how the teams match up.

Again, on paper, this game is a home run for BU.  They are practically opposites in terms of offense and defense.  Providence is giving up over 4 goals a game, BU is scoring just about 4.  Providence scores about 2 goals a game, BU gives up about 2.  Can we say that the score will be 4-2?  What it ultimately comes down to, I think, will be experience and skill level.  Providence just isn’t where BU is right now.  In game, things can change of course, but it’s difficult to say that the Friars can win this one.  Still, stranger things have happened, and BU needs to continue to play solidly to win this one.

Who to Watch Out For

Matt Bergland - The leading scorer for the Friars, Bergland is scoring at nearly a point a game, with points in the Friars last 4 games.  He’s only been shut out in 5 games all season, so BU will need to check him tightly and make sure he doesn’t get many opportunities.

Pierce Norton - One of the 5 seniors on the PC roster, Norton has been playing a solid game, and is a big kid.  An NHL draft pick in 2004, he has started to heat up recently as well, with points in 6 of the Friars’ last 7 games.

Other Considerations

This PC Team has a lot to prove, to try to show that they aren’t the bottom dwellers of Hockey East.  Army has received a lot of criticism recently, and will want to prove that he is worthy of his job as well.  You’ll have to look back two years to the last time Providence beat BU, and they beat a very very good BU team at that, handing them two of their only losses in an incredible 16 game stretch where BU lost only two games, both to Providence.

Game time is set for 7pm at Agganis Arena.  You can catch the BU broadcast online from BU’s official website or on AM 1510.  Providence fans can catch the game here, or locally in Providence at AM 1240.

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Game 19 Recap: BU 4, Maine 1

There was no hiccup in the Terriers’ game as they defeated the Maine Black Bears handily at Agganis Arena.  Chris Connolly was the star of the game, scoring two goals on the night.  With the victory, BU moved into the #1 spot in the Pairwise rankings, a stark contrast to where the Terriers stood last year. Read more

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Game 19 Preview: #2 BU v. Maine

Coming off a big win at the Denver Cup, BU will take on the Black Bears of Maine on Saturday at Agganis Arena.  Maine has been quite the enigma this year, and has been playing much better than expected.  BU will benefit from the return of Colin Wilson and Kevin Shattenkirk.  In any case, BU / Maine games are always fun to watch.  Let’s take a look at how the teams match up.

On the offensive side of the puck, the ice is clearly tilted in favor of the Terriers.  BU has one of the most high-powered, potent offenses in the country, and showed that they can score even without the services of Colin Wilson.  Maine isn’t scoring nearly as much, but boast a very good defense, only allowing 2.05 goals per game.  The only problem with that is that BU’s defense is nearly as effective, allowing 2.06 goals per game.  Maine comes into the game with a 10-7-2 record, and are on a bit of slump, with only one win in their last 4 games.  That being said, Maine is still playing much better that anyone expected so far.

Who to Watch Out For

Gustav Nyquist - A 2008 draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings, Nyquist currently leads the Black Bears in scoring, with 18 points.  He has scored a point in a majority of Maine’s games, including a point in 7 of the last 8 games.  He has been quite impressive for being the youngest player on the Maine roster.  He’s not that tall, so I expect him to be a pest, digging into corners and trying to speed past the defense.

Scott Darling - How often has a big goalie managed to carry Maine?  Well, if history says anything about how big (read: tall) goalies might help Maine, then Darling might just be the cure to help the Bears turn around.  Standing tall at 6′ 5″, Darling has been a surprise this year, winning the starting job as a freshman, and putting up some pretty good numbers.  He’s allowing a stingy 1.84 goals per game.  BU will need to get to him early to prevent him from getting hot.

Other Considerations

This could easily be a trap game for BU.  On paper, BU is the clear favorite, but it should be noted that BU has been the favorite in most of their games this year.  Maine will be looking to turn things around for the second half to try to get home ice for the playoffs.  It’s very important that BU does not underestimate Maine, because of how wide open the league is this year.  One loss now could mean disaster later.

We should also consider the Maine fans that are going to be making their way to Boston.  Fans from opposing teams have been able to make their voices heard this year, coming out in droves.  I expect no difference from the MAINE-iacs.  If you’re coming out, feel free to drop a comment, let me know what you think I should know about this Maine squad.  Expecting a great game… can’t wait, especially since I missed the two at home last year!

Game time is set for 7pm at Agganis Arena.  You can catch the BU broadcast online from BU’s official website or on AM 1510.  The Maine broadcast can be found here.  If you’re in Maine locally reading this, you can listen to the game on 103.9 or 91.9 FM.

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Denver Cup Victory Propels Men to #2

Boston University’s Men’s Ice Hockey team moved up to the #2 spot in the nation after capturing the Wells Fargo Denver Cup. The Women’s team stayed at #9 after defeating and tying against Ohio State.  Let’s see how the remainder of the Mens poll shaped up for the beginning of 2009: Read more

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Terriers Take Home Denver Cup

In two very impressive outings this past weekend, the Boston University Terriers captured the Wells Fargo Denver Cup, defeating RPI 6-2 and Denver University 4-1.  The tournament marked the opening of the 2009 half of the Terriers’ ice hockey campaign, and if this is indicative of what we can expect from BU in 2009, things are looking very good. Read more

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