BU got in the win column despite blowing a two-goal lead late against U Michigan. It was an exciting game in front of a packed house for BU's Alumni Weekend, capped off by an electric play by Junior Joe Periera to win it.
First thing's first, get caught up on game recaps from USCHO , GoTerriers, Inisde Hockey, and WTBU Sports, as well as a full box score. You can also watch the game highlights at CBS Sports.
GoTerriers also posted this postgame interview with Pereira and Kieran Millan.
Now for some thoughts on the game.
High Drama
Joe Pereira saved the Terriers from what was beginning to look like a blown opportunity late in the third. Pereira's aggressive forecheck put him in position to capitalize on a huge mistake by Michigan Goalie Bryan Hogan. Freshman Ryan Santana dumped the puck in for BU, and Hogan came out of his cage to play the puck. He misjudged Pereria's speed, as Joe swooped in and grabbed the puck off of Hogan's stick. He wasted no time, outracing a defender pursuing from behind, and beating Hogan to the goal line for the wrap-around score. The goal would stand up for the 3-2 win.
A Loss in a Win
The Terriers may have won the game, but they lost their best player, Nick Bonino, to a dislocated shoulder in the first. Bonino was taken down hard while trying to gain the Michigan zone and left the ice immediately. Initial reports from Terrier Land are that Bonino should miss somewhere between 3 weeks and a month. He certainly will be absent for the very important home and home series against UMass Lowell.
Ugly (Plays) Goalie
Two of BU's three scores came via the old miscue by Michigan Goaltender Bryan Hogan. With just over three minutes to play in the first, the Terriers dumped the puck in high off the glass. It careened around the boards, and Hogan went after the puck, but couldn't handle it. It snuck all the way around to a streaking Corey Trivino on the far side. Trivino didn't hesitate, sending a quick pass out in front of the net to Zach Cohen, who wristed a one-timer home for the 1-0 lead.
Finally, later in the third, Hogan made the even bigger gaffe, going after a Ryan Santana dump in which Pereira pick-pocketed for the nifty game winner.
Rock Solid
Kieran Millan played his best game of the young season, making several spectacular saves throughout the night. He did allow two third period goals from Michigan to tie the game, but overall it was a much better effort by the sophomore goalie, who faced 35 shots in the game, including 21 in the frenzied third period. Perhaps the lackluster game against Notre Dame was a wake up call for Kieran.
Gryba Angry
And so was Michigan's Chris Brown. The two players each took five minute major penalties and game misconduct penalties for hitting from behind. Gryba's came at 2:15 of the third, and Browns came 59 seconds later. Gryba's lack of discipline in a tight game is impressive (but not necessarily surprising), but Brown's retaliation was downright unacceptable. Instead of having an extended power play, Michigan gave up the advantage and didn't end up scoring until halfway through the frame.
Powerful
Two for eight on the power play isn't exactly perfect, but it is a tremendous step up from going 0-8 like BU did against Notre Dame. Zach Cohen's goal came on the man advantage, as did Colby Cohen's tally at 12:59 of the second.
Colby's goal came when Kevin Shattenkirk passed to a streaking Chris Connolly up the left wing. Connolly left the puck in the slot for Cohen, who had time to receive the pass, turn and wind up for a wide open slapshot that found the back of the net.
Paker on Colby: “Tonight was one of his best games in a BU uniform. Not only his goal on the power play, but his defensive play was great.”
The Mighty Are Falling
It was a wild week for top ten teams. The #3 Terriers fell Tuesday night to Notre Dame, then #10 Notre Dame turned around and coughed up a game to Boston College on Friday Night. Also on Friday, #7 Vermont lost to Merrimack College. Finally, on Saturday, #1 Miami lost in OT to MSU, #2 North Dakota found a way to lose to Alaska Anchorage, and #5 Michigan dropped the game at BU. Needless to say, a shakeup is in order.
Who Will Carry the Load?
Bonino is out for a while, so who is going to step up? It looks like Corey Trivino could get some time with Zach Cohen and Alex Chiasson on the top line. Beyond that, BU is going to need more production from their freshman. They are being asked to do a lot as first year players, but their success is vital to the Terriers' success.
What's a Riverhawk?
BU's next test is a big one, in the form of a home and home series on Friday and Saturday night with the Riverhawks of UMass Lowell. They're coming off of a two-win weekend, having defeated Colgate and Northeastern.
We'll have plenty more wrapping up this very important victory for BU, as well as looking forward to even bigger games next weekend as the week goes on.
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