‘08-’09 Mid Year Report Card: Defensemen Part II

Argh.. it’s been a little while, and with the Denver Cup coming up tomorrow, it doesn’t look like I’m going to get all of these report cards done before the tourney, but I’m going to try to get the defensemen in, and we’ll take a look at the forwards after the tournament.  If you missed the previous report card on the first batch of defensemen, you can check out their grades here.  For now, though, I’ll pick up right where I left off.

#7  Brian Strait (16 GP 1-1-2, 26 PIM, +4)

I have to admit that Parker did surprise me a bit with Strait being named an assistant captain, but he has lived up to the role well.  Strait, much like Gryba, is more effective when staying home and taking care of business, but he has also managed to get himself involved offensively somewhat as well.  I do like how he stepped up to defend his teammates against BC, especially when Lawrence took that nasty hit  He seems to be quite vocal, and a good leader on the ice.  No real complaints about his play so far this year, though I would like to see him pot a few more!

Grade: A-

#8 Steve Smolinsky (1 GP 0-0-0, o PIM, Even)

Steve is converted over from being a forward in previous years… and again hasn’t gotten much playing time.  He has played only one game, and didn’t make many mistakes, but didn’t really make much happen either.  In the interest of fairness, there’s not really enough to grade him on, but he wasn’t on the ice for any opposing goals… so we’ll pass him.  Steve’s got speed, but not too much else.  Perhaps we’ll see him in the first game at the Denver Cup.  Being a natural forward, I’m not to sure we will… but his efforts are appreciated regardless.  He hasn’t really gotten a chance at BU, unfortunately for him.

Grade: C+

#25 Colby Cohen (15 GP 1-12-13, 23 PIM, +5)

Colby’s season has been one of highs and lows.  The lows are definitely the amount of times that he has been beaten to a puck, made a boneheaded pass or play, or taken a stupid penalty.  That being said, he is one of the highest scoring defensemen in Hockey East, a tribute to his abilities on the offensive end.  However, has that really helped him overcome his apparent weaknesses on the defensive side?  In my opinion… not quite.  He is a defenseman, and must learn to better take care of the puck in his own zone.  I’m very happy that he’s getting a lot of points, though.  Let’s hope that without Shattenkirk to back him up, Colby picks up his play.

Grade: B-

#97 Matt Gilroy (16 GP 1-9-10, 2 PIM, +5)

Regarded as one of the most sought-after free agents to be available to the NHL, Gilroy surprised everyone in Terrier nation by returning to school to complete his degree, and Captain the Terriers in his Senior year.  Again, he has proved to be a valuable offensive defenseman, often stepping up into the play and keeping the puck in the zone very well.  He is particularly good at breaking the puck out of his own zone, able to manuver the puck by himself into the offensive zone.  My only concern this year is that he may be a little too concerned with his offense.  Don’t blame him, since the scouts are all over the place, but it can be a little scary sometimes.  That being said, he’s one of BU’s most solid players.

Grade: A-

I think it’s pretty clear that the Terrier Dmen are a very solid bunch, as I had stated in the previous half of the report card.  They are a key to BU’s success this year, especially with the freshmen goaltenders.  They’ll be down one for the Denver Cup, with Kevin Shattenkirk being gone.  I don’t know who we’ll see, I suspect we may see Ruikka in the first game against RPI, and depending on how he does, he may play the second night against Denver/Holy Cross.  We’ll take a break from the report cards for coverage of the upcoming Tournament, so the forwards’ grades are on hold!

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‘08-’09 Mid-Year Report Card: Goaltenders

With the Terriers off for Finals and holidays, I’ve decided to take this time to reflect on how the first half has been, and rate the players based on how I think they’ve been doing.  It’s been a very good first half for BU, and it is all built around goaltending.  If you followed the Terriers last year, then you know that BU had weak goaltending, and thus lost many games that should have been won.  With the dismissal of Brett Bennett, this year is quite different, with two goalies who could contend for the #1 position.

The Goaltenders

Kieran Millan - Freshman - (10 GP, 8-1-1, .922 Sv %, 1.79 GAA)

Starting out the year as one of two starters, Kieran Millan has displayed an impressive ability to make timely saves.  What really has helped him is that BU always manages to find a way to play well in front of him, blocking many shots, and allowing few quality chances.  However, Millan does move fairly well from side to side, and can snap his glove to make a spectacular save.  He is very cool under pressure, playing breakaways very well.  However, he can become lazy at times, not playing the angles when he should, and has also displayed periods of nervousness and indecision.  With the recent injury to Grant Rollheiser, Millan has seen the majority of the playing time, but has not cemented himself as the true #1 yet.

Grade: B+

Grant Rollheiser - Freshman - (6 GP, 3-3-0, .885 Sv %, 2.52 GAA)

Hailing from Chilliwack, BC, Grant Rollheiser was a late signer to BU, but caught the eye of some NHL teams, being drafted by Toronto.  He has very good size which has allowed him to cover large areas of the net.  Rollhesier is pretty effective in the butterfly, controlling the puck fairly well. He has suffered from weaker team defense in front of him, which explains his low save percentage, since BU does not allow many quality chances.  He has been blitzed a few times, notably a 5-1 loss @ UMass. A recent injury has allowed Kieran Millan to play a lot recently, but Rollhesier should be getting a start in the Denver Cup after having some time to recover.  Overall, he has been a decent starter, who needs to develop more confidence and use his size to his advantage.  The skaters also need to trust in his abilities, allowing them to play better in front of him.

Grade: B-

Adam Kraus - Sophomore (0 GP,0-0-0, 0.00 Sv %, 0.00 GAA)

There is not too much that can be said about Kraus right now.  He has yet to get a chance to play this season, with Rollheiser and Millan getting all of the time.  Unfortunately for him, it doesn’t seem like this will be changing this year.  Kraus was unimpressive in his few starts last year, and will likely not get a chance this season (or ever) at BU.  However, I can’t fault him for something he hasn’t done, so I’ll give him a passing grade.  Barring a miracle, I doubt we will see Kraus in anything but mop-up time.

Grade: C

Overall Grade: B

I have been very pleased with the outlook on goaltending this season.  When Brett Bennett was released before the season started, I worried that having no one at this position with experience would be an issue.  Adam Kraus had a few starts, but was unproven and didn’t exhibit the skills of a number 1 goalie.  However, with the way that both Kieran Millan and Grant Rollheiser have been playing, I am very confident that goaltending will not be an issue this year.  The players have already shown that they are confident in the abilities of their starting goaltenders (more so for Millan than Rollheiser so far), and have limited grade “A” chances.

That being said, there is still room for improvement.  I expect both netminders to develop further this season, and tandem a majority (if not all) of the way.  Goaltending should be a strength for the Terriers the rest of the way.

We’ll work our way out.  Next, we’ll take a look at the Defensemen.  Be on the lookout for that!

Image Credit: BU Athletics

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