Game 27 Preview: #1 BU v. UMass-Lowell

Well, I’ve missed a few games (on the blog, not in person).  Been busy studying for and taking the GMAT, but hopefully I’ll get back on track here again, even though I need to keep studying.  But the Terriers have been on fire recently… unless you count the opening round of the Beanpot.  That didn’t look too promising, but let’s just hope that it may have been the flu that’s been travelling through the locker room.  The Terriers have got a tough opponent this week in Lowell, let’s see how the two teams match up as they face each other for a third and final time for the regular season.

BU comes into this game at 20-5-1, having a 6 game win streak, and leading the series 2-0 so far for the season.  Lowell sits at an even .500 (12-12), having won their last two games against Maine and Merrimack.  Not exactly the class of Hockey East, but it does round up a 3 game win streak for the River Hawks.  Offensively and defensively, BU has the edge, but on special teams, the clubs are much closer.  Excellent power plays from both teams, with BU at 24.2% and Lowell at 19.8%.  However, BU’s best penalty killer, Kieran Millan, will likely have something to say about the Lowell PP.  Nevin Hamilton is out for the River Hawks, so Carter Hutton will be in net for the ‘Hawks, hoping to squelch the BU offense.

Who to Watch Out For

Kory Falite - Always a dangerous player, Falite is currently second on the River Hawks in terms of scoring.  The Junior, who had been extremely hot at the beginning of the season, has cooled down a bit, but did register a point in 2 of the last 3 games for Lowell, all wins.  The drop in scoring is likely due to teams checking him much more closely, so BU will need to be careful not to set him loose.

Maury Edwards - The sophomore defenseman is leading Lowell in points, and has been on fire recently.  Registering points in 5 of the last 6 games, Edwards does have 8 goals on the season, so he will be a threat from the point.  Hopefully the Terriers recognize this and block his shots!

Other Considerations

Easily, this is a trap game for BU.  Coming off an emotional win at the Beanpot, the Terrier will be hard pressed not to look past Lowell and look at #3 NU, whom they will be facing in the Beanpot Championship on Monday.  However, the tone and play that BU exhibits in this game will likely carry over to the Beanpot, so BU will want to come out strong and make a statement.  Lowell will be looking to pounce on any Terrier lapses, just as Harvard did on Monday.  To try come back from an early deficit in this game could spell disaster, something that BU doesn’t want going into the Beanpot championship.  Also, this is a very important Hockey East game, and will help in the tight race towards the regular season championship.

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.  Lowell fans can catch their local broadcast on 91.5 FM or online here.

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