Game 17 Preview: #4 BU v. UMass Lowell

On Friday, BU will be taking on the Riverhawks of UMass Lowell for the second time this year.  For those of you who may have gone to the last game in which these two squads met, UML gave BU all they could handle, and then some.  The Terriers barely managed to eke out a 6-4 win, but couldn’t have done so without the help of Colin Wilson having an incredible third period, and Carter Hutton going down for Lowell with an ankle injury.  How well do the clubs match up this time?

Both offensively and defensively, we’ve got some very good clubs.  BU is scoring more, with a 3.4 GPG, while UML is at 3.2.  However, the defense is exactly the same, both allowing 2.13 goals per game.  Not bad at all.  Of course, injury may play a factor in this game.  UML has a whopping 4 guys out of this game, with the biggest one being Carter Hutton still out with an ankle injury.  His backup has proved to be quite capable though, so BU still can’t take this game lightly.  BU has to come out strong in the beginning, and maintain the pressure.  They can’t be expected to dig themselves out of the same hole as last time, as incredible as that was.

Who to Watch Out For

Kory Falite - The Riverhawks’ leading scorer, Falite is always a threat to score.  He’s already got 10 on the season, and is tied for third in the league.  Expect UML to try to get the puck to him whenever he’s on the ice.  The defense will need to be sharp and contain him.

Nevin Hamilton - While he is officially the “backup” when Carter Hutton returns, the numbers that he has put up are nothing to complain about.  He has a nice 2.13 GAA, and he’s faced a pretty tough schedule.  Two games against UNH, Northeastern, Massachusetts, and Vermont… and a few more in there too.  To come out of that stretch with just a 2.13 GAA is not too shabby at all!

Other Considerations

UML is coming off a sweep at the hands of UNH.  I’m sure that the Riverhawks want to prove that they can hang with the big boys right before going on break, so expect them to try to come out with speed and intensity.  BU will need to match this, and not allow UML to try to run past them.  I really like the way the Terriers are playing right now, and believe they will play very well.  Also, the Riverhawks have to remember the comeback that BU had at Agganis last year too, and they definitely don’t want that to happen again.  In both of those games, UML had a nice cushion before BU went on a scoring frenzy and won.  Blaise McDonald will likely try to bring back those memories and use it to generate some energy for hs club.

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.  UML’s broadcast can be found on 91.5 FM, or online here.

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