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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