Game 31 and 32 Preview: #1 BU v. #4 Northeastern
February 19, 2009 by Joe
Wow… what a series to be picking things back up at the ol’ BU blog. I’ve been so busy with work, but there’s no way I’m missing out on taking a look at this one. There are huge implications in Hockey East with this game, and the backstory of NU probably wanting to redeem themselves after the loss at the Beanpot. Take into account BU defending their #1 ranking, and you’ve got yourself quite the college hockey weekend with these two clubs. Let’s take a quick look at how they match up:
Offensively and defensively, the Terriers hold a slight edge. The same holds for special teams play. I guess that is the difference between #1 and #4. Head to head, BU holds the 2-0-0 advantage as well. But you can pretty much throw those stats out for this game. Both teams are looking to prove their mettle, and its going to be a couple of good ol’ fashioned barn burners both Friday night and Saturday night. Northeastern is coming off a tough weekend against UMass, and BU wiped the floor with Maine before coming down to Earth the second night. The goaltenders are both playing very well right now…. what more can you say?
Who to Look out For
Joe Vitale - Northeastern has won like 19 games when Vitale registers a point. Currently the #3 scorer on the Husky lineup, BU has managed to keep him off the scoresheet goals wise, but the senior captain will definitely putting up his ‘A’ game this weekend. BU will have to be careful not to let him break out, Vitale has been dangerous his entire career at NU. 10 points in the last 10 games isn’t half bad either.
Brad Thiessen - BU has shown that Thiessen is beatable. Always a tough goaltender to beat, he will have something to prove because BU has torched him for 8 goals already this year. If he can keep his focus and make those incredible saves, it could be a long weekend. Of course, the D will have to give him some help, as he’s been hung out to dry the last two tries against BU. However, the game plan should remain the same… shoot high. Thiessen is excellent positionally, which might cause some problems if BU can’t find the finishing touch quick enough. On an unrelated note, Brad actually as a pretty informative blog… In the Crease with Thiess. Definitely a good read, gets you behind the scenes with the Huskies.
Pretty much anyone wearing a Husky Uniform on the ice - No doubt the entire NU team will be out for revenge. BU needs to adjust their game, as NU will try to cover the mistakes that were made the last time the two teams matched up. The Beanpot is past now… both of these teams are looking for the Hockey East Title and the NCAAs now.
The atmosphere is going to be electric… and I’m going to both games. I can’t wait. There’s no use predicting what will happen, just soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the games!
Game time is set for 7pm at Agganis Arena on Friday, and at 8pm Saturday at Matthews Arena. You can catch the BU broadcast online from BU’s official website or on AM 1510. NU’s webcast is here, or on 890 AM.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
I helped Kat along with you in writing the piece on the All Beanpot team. Interesingly, we had four reps on Denver Cup All Tourney team and Three on Ice Breaker all tourney team and picked up MVPs in each … Gilroy in Denver, I think Wilson in Ice Breaker (cant remember off top of my head). I am a WGA member but a retired writer due to early onset parknson’s. If you want someone to do your grunt work gratis when you are too busy (for instance, I would have gladly previewed the Beanpot games and Merrimack in Between) please email me or you can get my phone from Sportsgirlkat and call me. I read your interview in BP preview on The College Hockey Blog and I found it insightful,,, b in touch pls.