Game 33 and 34 Preview: #1 BU v. Massachusetts

It seems all too familiar.  BU is heading to Amherst with the #1 ranking, a huge target on their back.  The last time that happened, UMass managed to stun the Terriers and come away with a 5-1 victory.  A lot has changed since that game, but these two games are definitely not games to look past.  BU has a very favorable schedule to end the regular season, but the road to the end of the regular season goes through UMass.  One could say that BU controls their own destiny despite the fact that they are behind Northeastern by one point in the Hockey East Standings.  So how do these two clubs match up? 

Offensively and defensively, BU holds the edge.  However, UMass is a very prolific scoring team, and it shows in their 2.94 goals per game.  What has doomed the Minutemen in close games are penalties.  Last week, UMass took huge leads against Maine only to nearly give them up with major penalties at the end of the game.  This works out very favorably for BU, since the Terriers feature one of the best power plays in the nation.  After converting just once against a hot Northeastern team last week, BU special teams must feel they are due.  UMass will need to be careful not to draw penalties.  On the flip side, the UMass power play will need to pick up their play.  They are converting at a meager 16.1%, which is good for BU, as they are one of the highest penalized teams in Hockey East.  Personally, if it turns into a special teams game, BU should have no trouble.

Who to Watch Out For

James Marcou - He has quietly built up 40 points this season, good for second in Hockey East, behind Boston University’s Colin Wilson.  He’s been on quite a hot streak recently, racking up 9 points in the last 4 games for his club.  4 of those points come against Northeastern.  Those 4 points represent more than the total goals the Terriers scored last weekend.  How’s that for a dangerous kid?

Alex Berry - A linemate to Marcou, Berry has definitely benefited.  He has already eclipsed his point total in any other season with 25 this year.  If I remember correctly from the Ice Breaker, Berry is extremely fast and will make the defense pay if they get lackadaisical.  Just because Marcou is on the ice at the same time doesn’t mean you can’t pay attention to Berry or he’ll burn you.

Other Considerations

UMass is a very strange team.  They have played teams in the top 5 and have performed very well.  However, it’s the losses to the weaker clubs that have plagued the Minutemen this year.  Sitting just under .500, and in 7th place in Hockey East, Massachusetts has a lot to play for.  The way the league currently stands, these two clubs could potentially play 4 games in just 3 weeks.  That could breed a lot of bad blood. 

It should be a very good college hockey weekend.  The Mullins Center is sure to be crazy on Friday night, and you know that Terrier fans will come out in droves for the game Saturday night at Agganis.  Unfortunately, only one of the games is on TV, since CN8 disbanded.  Regardless, the trip to the Mullins center is one that I will have to make one day.  It will not be this Friday though, as I’ve got to work.  The DVR is set though!  I really wish that NESN would use the HD cameras for college hockey.  It looked great for the Beanpot!

Game time is set for 7:30 pm at Mullins Center on Friday, and at 8pm Saturday at Agganis Arena.  You can catch the BU broadcast online from BU’s official website or on AM 1510.  The Massachusetts broadcast is here, or on 100.9 FM.  Friday night’s tilt will be on NESN, as part of NESN’s Hockey East Fridays.

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Game 31 and 32 Preview: #1 BU v. #4 Northeastern

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.

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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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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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Game 22 Preview: #2 BU v. #12 BC

The Terriers face off against Boston College tomorrow after defeating Merrimack tonight at Lawler Arena by a final score of 4-1.  However, the game against BC might feature a different cast of players for BU, as the game against the Warriors got chippy about halfway through the second.  A couple of Terriers may be sidelined for the game, which could have a tremendous impact on the game.  Let’s take a look at how the teams potentially match up.

The previous two games between the Terriers and the Eagles were low scoring affairs, tightly checked, with tremendous skill being exhibited by both clubs.  BU managed to make it out of the weekend with three points, tying the Eagles at home and defeating them on the road.  You can check out the youtube video on the sidebar for highlights of the game at the Heights.  Game recaps are also available here (home) and here (away).

Both teams have very potent offenses, with BU getting the nod slightly in that category.  BU also gets the nod slightly in terms of GAA, as Millan has been spectacular in net for the Terriers this year.  Both teams are killing penalties at the same rate, while BU’s power play converts at a higher percentage than the Eagles.  That being said, stats never seem to matter much when it’s a BU v. BC game.

Who to Watch Out For

Brock Bradford - The captain of the Eagles, Bradford is currently second in the nation in goal scoring, with 15 goals already potted on the season.  He’s scored in all but 5 of the BC games this year, and is averaging over a point a game.  Bradford is especially dangerous because of his speed and ability to handle the puck, as well as his quick shot.  He will be dangerous when BC is shorthanded, featuring a game that brings back memories of Nathan Gerbe on the shorthand…. and we all know how effective that kid was against BU.

John Muse - You can’t mention who could be dangerous for BC without mentioning John Muse.  He has started every game for the Eagles since he arrived on campus last year.  While his numbers this year are down from last year, he is no doubt the rock behind BC.  It will all be built out around Muse.  Muse is the type of goalie that can steal a win for his club, making key saves almost every time they need them.  While he has been beatable this year, he’s always played BU tough.  BU will need to get to him quickly and often.

Other Considerations

It’s a BU/BC game… what more can you really say.  Both teams will be amped for the game, and they bring out the best in each other.  Something to consider for the Eagles is that they’re coming off a tough loss to UML in overtime, with Nick Petrecki getting a major penalty just as regulation time expired.  This led to an extended PP for the River Hawks, who potted the game winner with a little less than a minute left in OT.  For BU, a tough game against Merrimack that got very chippy, Matt Gilroy and Chris Higgins may be out after getting flattened from behind as the Warriors tried to hit anything that moved.  I hope that’s not the case, as BU will need their senior leaders in this game.  It’s a shame that the game even came to that point.

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.  BC fans can catch the game at 950 AM for the BC perspective, or online here.  The game will also be televised live on Comcast SportsNet.

Edit: The game will not be televised, as CSN as a conflict.  The game will be available through BU All-Access.

Edit 2: Looks like Higgy and Gilroy are confirmed out for tomorrow.  Source:  College Hockey News.  Thanks Sioux/BU Fan.

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Game 21 Preview: #2 BU v. Merrimack

It’s almost game time again, a quick turnaround after a disappointing game against Providence on Tuesday.  This time, the Terriers head to North Andover for the second meeting of the year against the Warriors of Merrimack College.  Let’s take a look at how the teams match up this time around.

This Merrimack team is sort of an enigma to me this year.  Overall, they haven’t played too poorly, as they’re only giving up an average of 2.45 goals per game, which isn’t too bad.  It’s being coupled with only scoring 2.05 goals per game, which just doesn’t cut it in Hockey East.  That being said, Merrimack has lost two tough games to Northeastern as well as defeated New Hampshire this year, which shows that the Warriors aren’t going to just roll over.  The last time the two teams met, BU won 5-2.  However, that BU team seemed to have much more jump than they have showed of late, which could be a concern, especially playing in the Warriors’ barn.

Who to Look Out For

Chris Barton - Without a doubt, he was an impact player the last time these two teams faced off.  He scored two goals less than 5 minutes apart in the second period to bring the Warriors within one.  He’s also the leading scorer for Merrimack thus far, and has been hot recently, tallying points in 5 of the last 6 Merrimack games.  If he is let loose, undoubtably he’ll make you pay.

Rob Ricci - The second leading scorer for Merrimack, and an key for the Warriors since he arrived on campus three years ago.  He’s scored in 5 of the last 7 Warrior games, which shows that this team is starting to heat up and play well together.  A leader, Merrimack will rally around his play.

Other Considerations

Despite their low number of wins, the goaltending tandem of Andrew Braithwaite and Joe Cannata has performed admirably this year.  Both feature decent GAAs despite the defense around them, and will be a huge part in how Merrimack performs on the ice.  Another factor that will likely play a big role is special teams.  Merrimack is particularly weak on the power play, which doesn’t bode well for them, especially with BU’s speedy forwards (read: Chris Connolly).

Game time is set for 7pm at Lawler Arena in North Andover.  You can catch the BU broadcast online from BU’s official website or on AM 1510.  Merrimack fans (and BU fans too) can watch the game live here.  There is a charge for this service.

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Game 20 Preview: #2 BU v. Providence

It’s Tuesday night hockey at Agganis Arena, as the Terriers take on the Friars of Providence college.  BU is coming off a strong victory against Maine, while Providence won its first Hockey East game on Saturday against UMass Lowell.  Let’s see how the teams match up.

Again, on paper, this game is a home run for BU.  They are practically opposites in terms of offense and defense.  Providence is giving up over 4 goals a game, BU is scoring just about 4.  Providence scores about 2 goals a game, BU gives up about 2.  Can we say that the score will be 4-2?  What it ultimately comes down to, I think, will be experience and skill level.  Providence just isn’t where BU is right now.  In game, things can change of course, but it’s difficult to say that the Friars can win this one.  Still, stranger things have happened, and BU needs to continue to play solidly to win this one.

Who to Watch Out For

Matt Bergland - The leading scorer for the Friars, Bergland is scoring at nearly a point a game, with points in the Friars last 4 games.  He’s only been shut out in 5 games all season, so BU will need to check him tightly and make sure he doesn’t get many opportunities.

Pierce Norton - One of the 5 seniors on the PC roster, Norton has been playing a solid game, and is a big kid.  An NHL draft pick in 2004, he has started to heat up recently as well, with points in 6 of the Friars’ last 7 games.

Other Considerations

This PC Team has a lot to prove, to try to show that they aren’t the bottom dwellers of Hockey East.  Army has received a lot of criticism recently, and will want to prove that he is worthy of his job as well.  You’ll have to look back two years to the last time Providence beat BU, and they beat a very very good BU team at that, handing them two of their only losses in an incredible 16 game stretch where BU lost only two games, both to Providence.

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.  Providence fans can catch the game here, or locally in Providence at AM 1240.

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Game 19 Preview: #2 BU v. Maine

Coming off a big win at the Denver Cup, BU will take on the Black Bears of Maine on Saturday at Agganis Arena.  Maine has been quite the enigma this year, and has been playing much better than expected.  BU will benefit from the return of Colin Wilson and Kevin Shattenkirk.  In any case, BU / Maine games are always fun to watch.  Let’s take a look at how the teams match up.

On the offensive side of the puck, the ice is clearly tilted in favor of the Terriers.  BU has one of the most high-powered, potent offenses in the country, and showed that they can score even without the services of Colin Wilson.  Maine isn’t scoring nearly as much, but boast a very good defense, only allowing 2.05 goals per game.  The only problem with that is that BU’s defense is nearly as effective, allowing 2.06 goals per game.  Maine comes into the game with a 10-7-2 record, and are on a bit of slump, with only one win in their last 4 games.  That being said, Maine is still playing much better that anyone expected so far.

Who to Watch Out For

Gustav Nyquist - A 2008 draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings, Nyquist currently leads the Black Bears in scoring, with 18 points.  He has scored a point in a majority of Maine’s games, including a point in 7 of the last 8 games.  He has been quite impressive for being the youngest player on the Maine roster.  He’s not that tall, so I expect him to be a pest, digging into corners and trying to speed past the defense.

Scott Darling - How often has a big goalie managed to carry Maine?  Well, if history says anything about how big (read: tall) goalies might help Maine, then Darling might just be the cure to help the Bears turn around.  Standing tall at 6′ 5″, Darling has been a surprise this year, winning the starting job as a freshman, and putting up some pretty good numbers.  He’s allowing a stingy 1.84 goals per game.  BU will need to get to him early to prevent him from getting hot.

Other Considerations

This could easily be a trap game for BU.  On paper, BU is the clear favorite, but it should be noted that BU has been the favorite in most of their games this year.  Maine will be looking to turn things around for the second half to try to get home ice for the playoffs.  It’s very important that BU does not underestimate Maine, because of how wide open the league is this year.  One loss now could mean disaster later.

We should also consider the Maine fans that are going to be making their way to Boston.  Fans from opposing teams have been able to make their voices heard this year, coming out in droves.  I expect no difference from the MAINE-iacs.  If you’re coming out, feel free to drop a comment, let me know what you think I should know about this Maine squad.  Expecting a great game… can’t wait, especially since I missed the two at home last year!

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.  The Maine broadcast can be found here.  If you’re in Maine locally reading this, you can listen to the game on 103.9 or 91.9 FM.

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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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Game #13 Preview: #8 BU vs. St. Lawrence

Continuing their OOC Schedule, #8 BU squares off against St. Lawrence at Agganis Arena on Saturday night.  Again, the Terriers are the favorites on paper, but that has been the tale for the majority of the games that BU has played this year.  As we’ve seen, that doesn’t always have a positive effect on the result, but let’s see how the teams match up. Read more

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