Game 32 Recap: BU 1, NU 1

Getting around to the recap of the second game this past weekend… another unsatisfying tie.  The titans of Hockey East played a full 130 minutes of hockey and weren’t able to settle anything.  One thing is for sure though, it was a great atmosphere at Matthews Arena.  Penalties marred the game though, and prevented what was sure to be some great hockey.

The first two periods would stay scoreless, but the two teams were whistled for a total of 14 penalties, and much of the game was spent on special teams.  It is a testament to the team defense of both clubs, as neither team was able to convert on the power play at all throughout the entire game.  There was heavy hitting, tons of speed, and a great display of skill from both Kieran Millan and Brad Thiessen.  Thiessen at times came out of nowhere to make a key save.  Millan would stand strong at almost every opportunity he faced.

In the third period, BU would open up the scoring (finally!).  Matt Gilroy would bury a feed from Nick Bonino… while the Terriers were shorthanded.  This marked the 4th shorthanded goal that BU potted this year against Northeastern.  After scoring this goal, NU really started to push.  It was a bend don’t break game for BU, and NU finally broke BU with just 2:22 remaining in the game.  A penalty to Brian Strait with less than 2 minutes left would give NU a golden opportunity to put the game away, but despite the PP extending into OT, and a Major penalty to Yip for hitting from behind, the teams would end the night deadlocked.  Needless to say, there is still a score to settle between the two clubs, and hopefully they’ll be settling that at the Garden in the Hockey East Tournament.

The Good

• Excellent penalty killing.
• The shorthanded rush by Matt Gilroy and Nick Bonino.
• Kieran Millan played very well, though the rebounds weren’t as good as normal.

The Bad

• Inability to finish the game.  By not clearing the puck near the end of the game, NU was able to tie it up.
• The forwards need to be able to put away the tap in goals.  At least 3 empty nets whiffed on by BU forwards.
• 3 ties in a row; let’s not become complacent.

Overall, I had a ton of fun at this game.  BU really missed having Chris Higgins in the lineup, and he’s questionable for the next game.  It is very important to have him back healthy, as he provides a bit of the size that the top line needed.  Chris Connolly is a great player, but I don’t think that line was able to push around people enough.  Higgins takes a little bit of the pressure off Wilson since he is a skilled playmaker, and can score too.

BU is next in action at UMass Amherst on Friday.  The game is on NESN… so check it out.  For those of you making it to the game, have fun.  I hope you don’t get heckled too badly.  UMass is one of the schools I still need to visit in Hockey East… that’s in MA anyway.

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