BU Performs Better On Night Off Than on Game Night
The Terriers saw some luck come their way on Saturday night, as the other Hockey East match-ups on the night yielded some favorable results.
UNH showed why they're top dogs in Hockey East by staging a dramatic at The Whit to beat the visiting Huskies of Huntington Avenue. The Wildcats got the tying goal and game winner in a span of 12 seconds late in the third period to knock off NU and save BU from slipping behind the Huskies in the standings.
Elsewhere, despite a blown lead by the Friars at Providence, the night wasn't a complete wash for BU, as UMass Lowell rallied, but just for the tie. That means that the Riverhawks are one point up on the Terriers, with one extra game played. Everyone gets even in the games played category on Sunday though, when BU looks to even the score with Vermont, for the second game this weekend at The Gut.
Finally, Maine knocked off Merrimack 5-1, keeping the Warriors one slim point behind the Terriers.
What does all of this mean? BU is currently in fifth place in Hockey East, with a chance to re-gain a grip on a home-ice seed with a win tomorrow afternoon. That would allow the Terriers to control their own destiny for home ice heading into the final weekend of Conference play.
However, this all goes out the window if the Terriers continue to mail it in like they have been as of late. A win tomorrow is vital for BU.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Parker Rightfully Rips His Boys
Calls His Team "Pathetic" Following Ugly Loss
Jack Parker had some choice words for the media following his team's ugly 7-3 thumping by UVM at The Gut on Friday night.
“We weren’t ready to play. … In general, they outplayed us for every puck. They played a much better game in every zone. They wanted this game a hell of a lot more than we wanted it. We both needed it badly. They got it, because they wanted it. We might’ve needed it, but we didn’t want it that bad. I was very disappointed in my team. … I don’t think I could come up with one guy on my team tonight that played well.”
Jack Parker had some choice words for the media following his team's ugly 7-3 thumping by UVM at The Gut on Friday night.
“We weren’t ready to play. … In general, they outplayed us for every puck. They played a much better game in every zone. They wanted this game a hell of a lot more than we wanted it. We both needed it badly. They got it, because they wanted it. We might’ve needed it, but we didn’t want it that bad. I was very disappointed in my team. … I don’t think I could come up with one guy on my team tonight that played well.”
Spot on by Jackie. The Terriers had no fight, no energy, and no will to win. They played without any speed or desire, and UVM made them pay for it all night long.
To a man, the team looked like they wanted to be somewhere else, and refused to show even an ounce of desperation on a night when the Hockey East playoff picture just became even more muddled than it was.
Perhaps the Ice Dogs aren't aware of this, but they're inches from being on the outside looking into the Hockey East playoffs. Forget home ice, these guys may not even have a shot at playing beyond next weekend.
As for the play of his goalie, Parker said "I thought it was pathetic how we played in front of him. They were on the doorstep by themselves. Kieran made some great saves. I think he’d like to have the wraparound back, but other than that, he didn’t get much support from his teammates.”
That's where me and Jackie depart from one another. I thought Millan looked as slow and careless as the rest of his teammates. Sure they didn't play well in front of him, but his effort in net looked lazy and uninspired.
Friday, February 26, 2010
That Was Ugly
UVM Football Thumps BU at The Gut
Vermont scored a touchdown and an extra point while holding Boston U to a field goal at the Gutterson Field House on Friday night.
The Catamounts spread out the scoring among 6 different skaters in the 7-3 victory to sneak back into the Hockey East playoff picture.
Vinny Saponari, Zach Cohen and David Warsofsky had the goals for BU, while Kieran Millan only made it through two periods before being pulled. While he was in there, Millan was peppered with 34 shots, saving 29 and allowing 5 goals. Rollie was no better, allowing one goal on three shots in the third.
Vermont scored a touchdown and an extra point while holding Boston U to a field goal at the Gutterson Field House on Friday night.
The Catamounts spread out the scoring among 6 different skaters in the 7-3 victory to sneak back into the Hockey East playoff picture.
Vinny Saponari, Zach Cohen and David Warsofsky had the goals for BU, while Kieran Millan only made it through two periods before being pulled. While he was in there, Millan was peppered with 34 shots, saving 29 and allowing 5 goals. Rollie was no better, allowing one goal on three shots in the third.
Game two of the double dip will go down on Sunday afternoon.
These Guys Suck
I'm officially calling this season dead. The Terriers look lifeless and careless. They are playing like trash right now.
If they play like this, they don't deserve to make the playoffs, nevermind make a run at a title defense.
So remember this. At 17:00 of the second period, with the Terriers trailing 5-2 to the Catamounts, and Millan playing like a blind person, I am pronouncing the season dead.
If they play like this, they don't deserve to make the playoffs, nevermind make a run at a title defense.
So remember this. At 17:00 of the second period, with the Terriers trailing 5-2 to the Catamounts, and Millan playing like a blind person, I am pronouncing the season dead.
Sucks to Be Us.
Notable Notes
A Few Quick Points Going Into a Big Weekend
- Despite the stumble last weekend against PC, the Terriers are 10-4 in 2010. They have battled all the way back from the depths of an atrocious first half to put themselves in position to play a postseason series at home, essentially on equal footing with the likes of UNH and BC. However, the work is not done yet, as BU leads the ninth place Catamounts by a paper-thin margin of just 3 points.
- BU is 13-7-4 all-time at Gutterson Field House. Can I make a motion to name that arena after somebody really, really fat? Who is a famous fat person from Vermont? "The Gut" just clearly needs to be nicknamed the Vermont equivalent of "The Rex Ryan," whatever that may be.
- Brayden Irwin has 12 goals and 16 assists to lead the Catamounts in offense. Their second best scorer no longer plays for them. As we discussed at length here, Justin Milo was dismissed from the team thanks to an apparent lack of focus. Milo happens to be a prospect in the New York Yankees baseball system. I wouldn't be focused on much either if I were bound for pinstripes.
- Rob Madore will most likely be the Catamount between the pipes this weekend. He's put together a decent season, with a 2.74 GAA and a .906 save percentage en route to a 9-9-6 record.
- These two teams have got together a grand total of 59 times, with 12 of those meetings going to overtime. BU has never dropped an OT decision to Vermont, going 7-0-5 in games that can't be settled in regulation against the Cats. In their one meeting so far this season, the two teams tied.
- BU is now a full two games removed from Corey Trivino's season ending leg injury. They spent the weekend against Providence shuffling their lines around to find the right combinations, and hopefully they have. Whether or not there is natural chemistry on these lines, the Terriers need to dig deep and make some magic. These guys don't need to take each other out to dinner, they just need to get along well enough to create some offense.
An Honorary Pep Talk
A Patriotic Speech to Pump Up the Terriers
While the BU-UVM weekend series might not exactly fit in with the Herb Brooks "Miracle on Ice" speech, it seems fitting that this should be today's inspirational speech because of our boys in Red White and Blue will be competing in Vancouver today.
Draw on the inspiration of Terriers past! "Go out there, and take it!"
While the BU-UVM weekend series might not exactly fit in with the Herb Brooks "Miracle on Ice" speech, it seems fitting that this should be today's inspirational speech because of our boys in Red White and Blue will be competing in Vancouver today.
Draw on the inspiration of Terriers past! "Go out there, and take it!"
Fighting to the Finish
An Inside Perspective on a Tough Stretch for UVM
The UVM On Campus blog is one of the best college sports blogs that I have stumbled across, thanks to the fact that real, actual reporters from the Burlington Free Press are the ones writing for it. The blog is well-written, and informative, and on the eve of the BU-UVM series, they have a great post explaining the rough path UVM has traveled to this point in 2009-10.
Ted Ryan had this to say as part of his post on the Catamounts mounting adversity:
After looking at all of the crap that UVM has played with in the New Year, it makes a bit more sense how the team that knocked off 3 of the top 10 teams in the nation could be on the verge of missing their own conference tournament.
Read the entire post by Ted Ryan at UVM's On Campus Blog.
The UVM On Campus blog is one of the best college sports blogs that I have stumbled across, thanks to the fact that real, actual reporters from the Burlington Free Press are the ones writing for it. The blog is well-written, and informative, and on the eve of the BU-UVM series, they have a great post explaining the rough path UVM has traveled to this point in 2009-10.
Ted Ryan had this to say as part of his post on the Catamounts mounting adversity:
"The last couple of weeks have been tumultuous for the University of Vermont hockey team. Included in the emotional rollercoaster were:
-The benching and eventual dismissal of No. 2 scorer Justin Milo;
- A weekend series with Merrimack in which UVM lost third-period leads in the final five minutes (tie) and final two minutes (loss) of regulation;
- The one-game suspension of freshman forward Chris McCarthy for a match penalty vs. Merrimack;
- The addition of Jay Anctil to an injury list that included one of UVM’s top scorers, Wahsontiio Stacey, and No. 2 goaltender, Mike Spillane;
- The shifting of defenseman Josh Burrows to forward to bolster the depleted front ranks;
- A valiant but one-point weekend at New Hampshire;
- Finally, a plunge into ninth place in the Hockey East standings, one position out of a playoff berth.
Despite all this, plus five overtime games in seven games and a 1-3-4 record over the last eight games, the Catamounts say they are optimistic and feeling good going into this weekend’s series against Boston University at Gutterson Fieldhouse.....
Head Coach Kevin Sneddon said...'I can just say right now that right now the energy on the team is very positive. Our guys understand that injuries are part of the game. Everybody’s gone through it in the league … That’s part of the cards that you’re dealt,'"
After looking at all of the crap that UVM has played with in the New Year, it makes a bit more sense how the team that knocked off 3 of the top 10 teams in the nation could be on the verge of missing their own conference tournament.
But can the Catamounts really still be feeling positive right now? At what point do you just throw in the towel because the deck is clearly stacked against you?
But the attitude from everyone in the UVM camp does seem to be a "nut up or shut up" mentality, and for the Catamounts, now certainly would be a good time to nut up. The Terriers should plan to do the same if they want to come home from this weekend with some points.
Read the entire post by Ted Ryan at UVM's On Campus Blog.
What to Make of the Catamounts
Good, Bad and Ugly
It's not easy to figure out the Vermont Catamounts right now. On the one hand, it would be easy to look at their second half and lump them into the group of teams sputtering and gasping for air as they come down the stretch. They have been consistently inconsistent since the calendar turned to 2010, recording a 5-5-4 mark in the new year. Add to that the fact that that Catamounts outright dismissed their second leading scorer just over a week ago, citing his lack of effort. This looks to be a team in a tailspin.
However, the other side of the argument forced you to put the Catamounts not to the statical analysis, but to the eye test. Last weekend against a tough UNH team, a team that the Terriers cannot beat, the Catamounts stood up and gave the top team in the conference everything that they could handle two nights in a row. Unfortunately for Vermont, their hard work yielded just one point, thanks to a tie Saturday night.
So now Vermont sits outside of the playoff picture, a beaten and nearly broken bunch of hockey players. The Catamounts are looking up at a Merrimack team that looked to be dead in the water just a matter of weeks ago.
Care to add insult to injury? Vermont has been so good outside of the brutal world of Hockey East play that they're still sitting in the #18 spot in the uscho.com national poll. They went out and beat the likes of Denver (#1 in the nation), Yale (#5 in the nation) and Minnesota Duluth (#10 in the nation) yet they stumbled against the likes of Mack and Maine. Number nine in your own conference, but number eighteen in the entire nation.
But in the topsy turvy world of Hockey East, all of that can change in a heartbeat, or in a single weekend. Their 6-1-0 non-conference record can't help them salvage their roller-coaster of a season now, but a big weekend against the Terriers certainly could.
Just three little points separate the Terriers and the Catamounts heading into this weekend, from fourth place and a home playoff game to ninth place and missing out on the postseason entirely.
But Vermont will not go quietly into the night. They will not die without a fight. For god's sake, even their mascot is named Rally!
Terriers fans can expect a whole bundle of rallying from a desperate Catamounts club this weekend. Do not be fooled by the ugly second half or the sub-par Hockey East record. Vermont is a formidable opponent, and they could very easily give BU fits this weekend.
BEWARE OF CATAMOUNTS!
It's not easy to figure out the Vermont Catamounts right now. On the one hand, it would be easy to look at their second half and lump them into the group of teams sputtering and gasping for air as they come down the stretch. They have been consistently inconsistent since the calendar turned to 2010, recording a 5-5-4 mark in the new year. Add to that the fact that that Catamounts outright dismissed their second leading scorer just over a week ago, citing his lack of effort. This looks to be a team in a tailspin.
Justin Milo's Dismissal is the Latest Hurdle for the Cats
However, the other side of the argument forced you to put the Catamounts not to the statical analysis, but to the eye test. Last weekend against a tough UNH team, a team that the Terriers cannot beat, the Catamounts stood up and gave the top team in the conference everything that they could handle two nights in a row. Unfortunately for Vermont, their hard work yielded just one point, thanks to a tie Saturday night.
So now Vermont sits outside of the playoff picture, a beaten and nearly broken bunch of hockey players. The Catamounts are looking up at a Merrimack team that looked to be dead in the water just a matter of weeks ago.
Care to add insult to injury? Vermont has been so good outside of the brutal world of Hockey East play that they're still sitting in the #18 spot in the uscho.com national poll. They went out and beat the likes of Denver (#1 in the nation), Yale (#5 in the nation) and Minnesota Duluth (#10 in the nation) yet they stumbled against the likes of Mack and Maine. Number nine in your own conference, but number eighteen in the entire nation.
But in the topsy turvy world of Hockey East, all of that can change in a heartbeat, or in a single weekend. Their 6-1-0 non-conference record can't help them salvage their roller-coaster of a season now, but a big weekend against the Terriers certainly could.
Just three little points separate the Terriers and the Catamounts heading into this weekend, from fourth place and a home playoff game to ninth place and missing out on the postseason entirely.
But Vermont will not go quietly into the night. They will not die without a fight. For god's sake, even their mascot is named Rally!
Terriers fans can expect a whole bundle of rallying from a desperate Catamounts club this weekend. Do not be fooled by the ugly second half or the sub-par Hockey East record. Vermont is a formidable opponent, and they could very easily give BU fits this weekend.
BEWARE OF CATAMOUNTS!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Despite Clown-Like Loss and Equally Clownish Win, Terriers Remain in Top 20
BU Sits at 19th in PairWise
If the playoffs started today, Northeastern would visit the Terriers for a best of three.
In their first week back in the top 20 of the national polls in months, the Terriers responded by dropping a game to Providence on the road, and just barely sneaking by the Friars at Agganis.
Nonetheless, they only dipped one spot in the USCHO.COM poll this week, falling to #20.
February 22, 2010
USCHO.COM
| Team | (First Place Votes) | Record | Points | Last Poll | |
| 1 | Denver | (39) | 22- 6-4 | 988 | 2 |
| 2 | Miami | (11) | 23- 5-6 | 957 | 1 |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 19- 8-4 | 887 | 3 | |
| 4 | St. Cloud State | 20-10-4 | 829 | 4 | |
| 5 | Yale | 18- 6-3 | 811 | 5 | |
| 6 | Bemidji State | 21- 7-2 | 700 | 9 | |
| 7 | Boston College | 18-10-2 | 668 | 8 | |
| 8 | North Dakota | 16-11-5 | 638 | 11 | |
| 9 | Cornell | 16- 8-3 | 551 | 10 | |
| 10 | Minnesota-Duluth | 18-13-1 | 499 | 6 | |
| 11 | New Hampshire | 15-10-5 | 498 | 13 | |
| 12 | Michigan State | 18-11-5 | 452 | 12 | |
| 13 | Colorado College | 17-12-3 | 435 | 7 | |
| 14 | Ferris State | 19-11-4 | 371 | 14 | |
| 15 | Union | 18- 8-6 | 368 | 16 | |
| 16 | Maine | 15-12-3 | 245 | 15 | |
| 17 | Alaska | 14- 9-9 | 211 | 20 | |
| 18 | Vermont | 13-11-6 | 95 | 17 | |
| 19 | Nebraska-Omaha | 17-13-6 | 88 | NR | |
| 20 | Boston University | 14-13-3 | 73 | 19 | |
| Others Receiving Votes: Northern Michigan 34, Mass.-Lowell 27, RIT 25, Northeastern 19, Michigan 10, Massachusetts 7, Sacred Heart 7, Minnesota 4, Colgate 2, St. Lawrence 1 | |||||
USCHO.COM
In other news, BC actually helped the Terriers out on Sunday by romping Northeastern 7-1. That means that at the end of the third to last weekend of Hockey East regular season play, the Terriers are in sole possession of the #4 seed.
If the playoffs started today, Northeastern would visit the Terriers for a best of three.
Drury Ices Canada
Former Terrier Captain Continues Hot Play
It's been something of a statement tournament so far for Chris Drury, who came into the Olympics not just as an after-thought but as a controversial add on.
But Drury has played absolutely out of his mind so far in three games, and his nose for the net continued against Martin Brodeur and the home-town Canadian team.
Drury Scored to Help Upset Canada
I told you not to doubt him, and now he has proven me right. He hasn't just scored two more goals than most people expected him to score, but he's skated incredibly well, and has played exceptionally well on the USA penalty kill.
Drury may not be having such a big year in New York, but on the much talked about 30th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice, Drury is continuing the proud tradition of Terriers in the Olympics.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Post Game Reactions: Saturday, February 20
BU Beats Providence 2-1
I said yesterday that a loss is a loss. Well, I suppose that a win is a win, and that's exactly what the Terriers got last night.
BU eked out a paper thin 2-1 victory over the Friars thanks to a good night in goal from Kieran Millan and a solid appearance from Sasquatch. BU desperately needed a solid bounce back after a tough loss on many levels, and the two points helps to alleviate the sting of Friday's disaster.
Here are the video highlights from the victory as well as the box score.
Now let's get some quick thoughts on the win.
I said yesterday that a loss is a loss. Well, I suppose that a win is a win, and that's exactly what the Terriers got last night.
BU eked out a paper thin 2-1 victory over the Friars thanks to a good night in goal from Kieran Millan and a solid appearance from Sasquatch. BU desperately needed a solid bounce back after a tough loss on many levels, and the two points helps to alleviate the sting of Friday's disaster.
Here are the video highlights from the victory as well as the box score.
Now let's get some quick thoughts on the win.
To Be The Second Worst....
....You've Got To Beat the Worst
BU snuck by Providence last night at Agganis in a lifeless, lackluster effort. Despite winning the "we hit more posts than you" battle, the Terriers were out-skated for the vast majority of their 2-1 victory over a tougher than expected Friars team.
Even when BU's offense did get going, PC netminder Alex Beaudry played the role of brick wall, turning away 39 of the Terriers' 41 offerings on net.
The night was saved by after-thought forward Andrew Glass, who scored his first goal of the season, and just the third of his collegiate career, and later by Zach Cohen, who put home the game winner with six minutes to play.
The Terrier faithful had less to complain about as well, as the refs awarded Providence with just two power plays the night after they went on the man advantage 12 times. As I always say, it all evens out.
More on this disappointing 2 point weekend, that could have very easily been a complete wash, later on.
BU snuck by Providence last night at Agganis in a lifeless, lackluster effort. Despite winning the "we hit more posts than you" battle, the Terriers were out-skated for the vast majority of their 2-1 victory over a tougher than expected Friars team.
Even when BU's offense did get going, PC netminder Alex Beaudry played the role of brick wall, turning away 39 of the Terriers' 41 offerings on net.
The night was saved by after-thought forward Andrew Glass, who scored his first goal of the season, and just the third of his collegiate career, and later by Zach Cohen, who put home the game winner with six minutes to play.
The Terrier faithful had less to complain about as well, as the refs awarded Providence with just two power plays the night after they went on the man advantage 12 times. As I always say, it all evens out.
More on this disappointing 2 point weekend, that could have very easily been a complete wash, later on.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Compensating For Corey
How Did the Terriers Fill Trivino's Skates Last Night?
Let's compare the line charts from lasy Saturday's win over Maine to last night's loss to Providence.
As you can see, Bonino moved up to center the Cohen-Chiasson line. Popko slid into Bonino's spot on the Gaudet-Pereira line. Gilroy entered the lineup to take over Popko's spot on the Courtnall-Santana line. And Megan stood pat centering the Connolly-Saponari line.
The results? Gaudet and Pereira cooled off without Bonino's support. Last week was their best 120 minutes in a while, but they were not nearly as effective without the superstar presence of Bonino on the ice.
Bonino, however, was able to extend his point streak to 10 straight games by scoring a goal and an assist last night. Colby Cohen also pushed his team lead in goals to 13 last night. Shattenkirk and Nicastro added scores of their own to continue the heavy offense coming from the blue line.
The forward lines seemed uncomfortable with one another, which is to be expected from a group of guys who haven't played together in months. We'll see how they do tonight, but hopefully the bonding process will be quick, as time is not a luxury the Terriers have right now.
Let's compare the line charts from lasy Saturday's win over Maine to last night's loss to Providence.
Last Weekend
LW 11 Zach Cohen C 10 Corey Trivino RW 9 Alex Chiasson
LW 22 Ross Gaudet C 13 Nick Bonino RW 6 Joe Pereira
LW 12 Chris Connolly C 18 Wade Megan RW 27 Vinny Saponari
LW 19 Justin Courtnall C 26 Luke Popko RW 15 Ryan Santana
Last Night
LW 11 Zach Cohen 13 Nick Bonino RW 9 Alex Chiasson
LW 12 Chris Connolly C 18 Wade Megan RW 27 Vinny Saponari
LW 22 Ross Gaudet C 26 Luke Popko RW 6 Joe Pereira
LW 19 Justin Courtnall 16 Kevin Gilroy RW 15 Ryan Santana
As you can see, Bonino moved up to center the Cohen-Chiasson line. Popko slid into Bonino's spot on the Gaudet-Pereira line. Gilroy entered the lineup to take over Popko's spot on the Courtnall-Santana line. And Megan stood pat centering the Connolly-Saponari line.
The results? Gaudet and Pereira cooled off without Bonino's support. Last week was their best 120 minutes in a while, but they were not nearly as effective without the superstar presence of Bonino on the ice.
Bonino, however, was able to extend his point streak to 10 straight games by scoring a goal and an assist last night. Colby Cohen also pushed his team lead in goals to 13 last night. Shattenkirk and Nicastro added scores of their own to continue the heavy offense coming from the blue line.
The forward lines seemed uncomfortable with one another, which is to be expected from a group of guys who haven't played together in months. We'll see how they do tonight, but hopefully the bonding process will be quick, as time is not a luxury the Terriers have right now.
Let's Play Two
An Un-Enthusiastic Preview of PC-BU Part III
So the Terriers lost last night to the worst team in the Conference. Let's knock out some quick points about what BU can avoid to stay away from a third loss to the Friars.
So the Terriers lost last night to the worst team in the Conference. Let's knock out some quick points about what BU can avoid to stay away from a third loss to the Friars.
- Don't Suck
- Don't Give Up Five Goals to the Worst Offensive Team in History
- Don't Give Your Opponent 12 Power Plays
- Don't Cry When The Calls Go Against You
- Don't be Satisfied With a Two Goal Lead After One Period
- Do Score Goals
- Do Play With More Energy than a Team Full of Senior Citizens
- Do Understand That it is Februrary, Not October
Parity = Parity
All Teams Essentially Equal In Hockey East
After a somewhat bizarre night in Hockey East, the standings are more muddled than ever. Only one thing is really clear. New Hampshire is the favorite to win the conference. Not necessarily the best team, but the favorite. They have consistently proven that they have a nose for important wins, and it has earned them a five point cushion over the second place teams.
Besdies UNH, who defeated UVM in an excellent overtime game last night, there's not a whole lot about Hockey East you would want to bet on right now.
All of a sudden, the Northeastern Huskies are a contender again. They pushed their winning streak to five in a row last night by hanging tough at Matthews Mudpit Arena to pull out a 3-2 victory. Somehow, some way, that puts the Huskies in position for a home playoff series. Their 23 points are good enough for the four seed as of right now.
Elsewhere in Hockey East, Maine returned to home ice and returned to form by absolutely demolishing the Riverhawks of Lowell. At this point, I don't know what to make of the Black Bears, because they looked simply awful last weekend at Agganis. But behind a 5 goal, 7 point night from winger Brian Flynn, and a four goal third period, the Black Bears smacked down UML 8-4. As The Maine Campus tells us, Flynn's night was a record breaking one. Maine is now tied with the Eagles for second place in Hockey East.
And finally, opposite night concluded with a topsy turvy Merrimack victory over the UMass Amherst Minutemen. Joe Coochy Coochy Cucci led the Warriors to a 4-1 victory with a hat trick at Lawler Rink.
Let's review. Three players (Joe Cucci of Mack, Brian Flynn of Maine, and Kyle MacKinnon of Providence) had hat tricks last night.
The 9th place team (Mack) beat the 5th place team (Amherst) , and the 10th place team (Providence) beat the 4th place team (BU). Meanwhile, the 8th place team (UVM) took the 1st place team (UNH) to overtime. Meanwhile, the 6th place team (Northeastern) beat the 2nd place team (BC) to jump into 4th place. Keeping up?
Maine and Lowell combined for 12 goals, Providence and BU combined for 9 goals, as did UNH and UVM.
The worst scoring team in Hockey East (Providence) scored 5 goals against the hottest team in the league (BU). The third-worst defensive team (Mack) allowed just one goal.
So what does this all mean? Nothing at all. Just that nothing is for sure in the nutty world of Hockey East.
After a somewhat bizarre night in Hockey East, the standings are more muddled than ever. Only one thing is really clear. New Hampshire is the favorite to win the conference. Not necessarily the best team, but the favorite. They have consistently proven that they have a nose for important wins, and it has earned them a five point cushion over the second place teams.
Besdies UNH, who defeated UVM in an excellent overtime game last night, there's not a whole lot about Hockey East you would want to bet on right now.
All of a sudden, the Northeastern Huskies are a contender again. They pushed their winning streak to five in a row last night by hanging tough at Matthews Mudpit Arena to pull out a 3-2 victory. Somehow, some way, that puts the Huskies in position for a home playoff series. Their 23 points are good enough for the four seed as of right now.
Elsewhere in Hockey East, Maine returned to home ice and returned to form by absolutely demolishing the Riverhawks of Lowell. At this point, I don't know what to make of the Black Bears, because they looked simply awful last weekend at Agganis. But behind a 5 goal, 7 point night from winger Brian Flynn, and a four goal third period, the Black Bears smacked down UML 8-4. As The Maine Campus tells us, Flynn's night was a record breaking one. Maine is now tied with the Eagles for second place in Hockey East.
And finally, opposite night concluded with a topsy turvy Merrimack victory over the UMass Amherst Minutemen. Joe Coochy Coochy Cucci led the Warriors to a 4-1 victory with a hat trick at Lawler Rink.
Let's review. Three players (Joe Cucci of Mack, Brian Flynn of Maine, and Kyle MacKinnon of Providence) had hat tricks last night.
The 9th place team (Mack) beat the 5th place team (Amherst) , and the 10th place team (Providence) beat the 4th place team (BU). Meanwhile, the 8th place team (UVM) took the 1st place team (UNH) to overtime. Meanwhile, the 6th place team (Northeastern) beat the 2nd place team (BC) to jump into 4th place. Keeping up?
Maine and Lowell combined for 12 goals, Providence and BU combined for 9 goals, as did UNH and UVM.
The worst scoring team in Hockey East (Providence) scored 5 goals against the hottest team in the league (BU). The third-worst defensive team (Mack) allowed just one goal.
So what does this all mean? Nothing at all. Just that nothing is for sure in the nutty world of Hockey East.
Uphill Battle
Terriers Fall Victim to Whistles, Friars in Tough Loss
Let's get one thing straight. A loss is a loss. It doesn't matter how you lose, how many penalties are called against you, or how badly you wanted to win the game. A loss means no points. You can rationalize it all you want, and complain about everything in the world, but it won't change the fact that you lost. No matter how you want to shake it out and figure out a would've should've could've scenario, the Terriers lost to the worst team in Hockey East last night.
There is no doubt in my mind that BU is a better team than the Providence Friars, and on most nights the Scarlet and White would, could and should come out on top. There is also no doubt in my mind that for whatever reason, they were absolutely hosed by the zebras last night. Maybe Colby Cohen wronged officials Jack Milea, Tom Fryer, Paul Scleparis and Andrew Weber in some way during the week. It really doesn't matter.
Truly great teams stare in the face of adversity, and they knock it on its ass. They battle through bad calls, they stay mentally tough, they kill the penalties, and they win the game. They take the 12 penatlies, they understand that they are skating uphill, and they dig a little bit deeper and they find a way to win the game.
The Terriers could not do that last night. They realized that they were on the wrong side of some bad calls, and it got in their heads. They started chirping at the refs, and they couldn't turn the frustration and the anger into positive energy. It tore them down, and they surrendered three power play goals in the final 21 minutes of play.
There will be people who use the penalties as an excuse for the loss, but that's not the way to approach this game. The Terriers know the situation they're in, and going into the game last night, BU was still in a position to make a run up the PairWise Rankings and into an at-lare bid in the NCAA's. It's not the time of year for excuses, and it's certainly not the time of year to lose to a team that has only beat ONE TEAM BESIDES YOU SINCE NOVEMBER!
Providence was an unbelievable 2-13-1 in their past 16 games going into last night. One of those two victories came against BU. The Friars are an abortion of a hockey team. And they have blocked the Terriers from four points in the past two months. It is unacceptable, and it is a strong indicator that the Terriers lack the mental toughness of a true champion.
Providence had 26 goals in their last 16 games before last night. That's 1.63 goals per game. The Terriers allowed them to push five pucks over the line last night.
Providence has scored that many goals just once all season long, when they defeated Bowling Green 8-3 in October. BOWLING GREEN GIVES UP 3.81 GOALS PER GAME! THEY ARE 5-22-4! THAT'S THE CLASS THE TERRIERS ARE IN!
Just three times this season (including the Bowling Green game) have the Friars even scored four goals. They do not score. Plain and simple.
But last night, the Terriers allowed them to score five times. As a fan and a follower of this team, I do not want to hear how BU got robbed by the referees last night. I want to hear how it was a poor effort, and what they will do to fix it tonight.
No excuses. Play like a champion.
Let's get one thing straight. A loss is a loss. It doesn't matter how you lose, how many penalties are called against you, or how badly you wanted to win the game. A loss means no points. You can rationalize it all you want, and complain about everything in the world, but it won't change the fact that you lost. No matter how you want to shake it out and figure out a would've should've could've scenario, the Terriers lost to the worst team in Hockey East last night.
There is no doubt in my mind that BU is a better team than the Providence Friars, and on most nights the Scarlet and White would, could and should come out on top. There is also no doubt in my mind that for whatever reason, they were absolutely hosed by the zebras last night. Maybe Colby Cohen wronged officials Jack Milea, Tom Fryer, Paul Scleparis and Andrew Weber in some way during the week. It really doesn't matter.
Truly great teams stare in the face of adversity, and they knock it on its ass. They battle through bad calls, they stay mentally tough, they kill the penalties, and they win the game. They take the 12 penatlies, they understand that they are skating uphill, and they dig a little bit deeper and they find a way to win the game.
The Terriers could not do that last night. They realized that they were on the wrong side of some bad calls, and it got in their heads. They started chirping at the refs, and they couldn't turn the frustration and the anger into positive energy. It tore them down, and they surrendered three power play goals in the final 21 minutes of play.
There will be people who use the penalties as an excuse for the loss, but that's not the way to approach this game. The Terriers know the situation they're in, and going into the game last night, BU was still in a position to make a run up the PairWise Rankings and into an at-lare bid in the NCAA's. It's not the time of year for excuses, and it's certainly not the time of year to lose to a team that has only beat ONE TEAM BESIDES YOU SINCE NOVEMBER!
Providence was an unbelievable 2-13-1 in their past 16 games going into last night. One of those two victories came against BU. The Friars are an abortion of a hockey team. And they have blocked the Terriers from four points in the past two months. It is unacceptable, and it is a strong indicator that the Terriers lack the mental toughness of a true champion.
Providence had 26 goals in their last 16 games before last night. That's 1.63 goals per game. The Terriers allowed them to push five pucks over the line last night.
Providence has scored that many goals just once all season long, when they defeated Bowling Green 8-3 in October. BOWLING GREEN GIVES UP 3.81 GOALS PER GAME! THEY ARE 5-22-4! THAT'S THE CLASS THE TERRIERS ARE IN!
Just three times this season (including the Bowling Green game) have the Friars even scored four goals. They do not score. Plain and simple.
But last night, the Terriers allowed them to score five times. As a fan and a follower of this team, I do not want to hear how BU got robbed by the referees last night. I want to hear how it was a poor effort, and what they will do to fix it tonight.
No excuses. Play like a champion.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Kiss The PairWise Goodbye
BU Falls To the Lowly Providence Friars Again
Providence was awarded 12 power plays, converting on 3 of them to defeat the Terriers at Schneider Rink. The officiating certainly seemed to be a factor, as for whatever reason, Providence got the benefit of the officials' judgment throughout the game. It impacted the Terriers physically, and seemed to affect them mentally as well. They looked like they were climbing up a mountain, playing not just against the Friars but also against the refs.
Perhaps the zebras thought they were playing for the team that happens to wear black and white as well.
The loss all but ensures that BU will have to win the Hockey East Tournament to make an appearance in the NCAA tournament.
Needless to say, this is an incredibly disappointing loss for the Terriers, who had just been so good over the past 12 games.
We'll have more on this tough loss later, as well as thoughts on tomorrow night's rematch at Agganis.
Providence was awarded 12 power plays, converting on 3 of them to defeat the Terriers at Schneider Rink. The officiating certainly seemed to be a factor, as for whatever reason, Providence got the benefit of the officials' judgment throughout the game. It impacted the Terriers physically, and seemed to affect them mentally as well. They looked like they were climbing up a mountain, playing not just against the Friars but also against the refs.
Perhaps the zebras thought they were playing for the team that happens to wear black and white as well.
The loss all but ensures that BU will have to win the Hockey East Tournament to make an appearance in the NCAA tournament.
Needless to say, this is an incredibly disappointing loss for the Terriers, who had just been so good over the past 12 games.
We'll have more on this tough loss later, as well as thoughts on tomorrow night's rematch at Agganis.
"The U" Rolls On
What Gryba Says Is Done
Listen, if Gryba wants BU to be called The U, than so be it. As long as BU keeps winning games, I will be happy to refer to them as The U.
It'll give me the chance to constantly post this awesome song produced for the ESPN documentary about Miami.
So when we roll into Providence tonight, We are THE U. Friars be warned.
And even though we are stealing this from Miami without even making a modification on it, I still thing it's pretty ballin'.
Listen, if Gryba wants BU to be called The U, than so be it. As long as BU keeps winning games, I will be happy to refer to them as The U.
It'll give me the chance to constantly post this awesome song produced for the ESPN documentary about Miami.
So when we roll into Providence tonight, We are THE U. Friars be warned.
And even though we are stealing this from Miami without even making a modification on it, I still thing it's pretty ballin'.
The BU Re-Invented Swagger Logo Coming Soon.
Filling the Gap
How Will Jack Parker Replace Corey Trivino?
Before Corey Trivino broke his fibula against Maine on Saturday, it's unlikely that all that many Terrier fans were transfixed on the importance of the sophomore center. However, now that he has gone down, just how BU will replace his production has become burning question number one in Terrier Land.
The main reason this is such a big deal is that BU has been incredibly successful on offense recently. When something is clicking at such a high rate, you simply don't want to mess with it.
And most unfortunately, Trivino's line has really been hitting its stride. In addition to Trivino's goal and assist in the weekend series against Maine, his linemates excelled as well. Zach Cohen enjoyed a 2 goal and 2 assist weekend, while Alex Chiasson assisted on one of his own.
The guy centering the second line hasn't been half bad either. Nick Bonino has registered at least one point in 9 consecutive games, and 13 of his last 14 games. In the 9 game streak, he has 3 goals and 12 assists. Bonino's linemates are coincidentally playing their best hockey of the year. Joe Pereira assisted on an eye popping 5 goals against Maine, while Ross Gaudet added two goals to his surprising season.
The moral of the story is that something has got to give. Will Parker shuffle all of his lines around, or will he simply pencil in Trivino's replacement into Corey's spot? Not to mention, who is going to be the replacement?
The likely choice seems Kevin Gilroy, who last played on January 15 when BU and PC last met up. Ryan Santana was the odd forward out in that game. In 16 games, Gilroy has found the scoresheet just twice, with two assists. Another possibility is missing person Victory Saponari, who has appeared in just 3 games in this, his junior season. Either way, someone who has been skating as a winger will most likely have to shift to center to help fill the gap.
This injury clearly couldn't come at a worse time for the Terriers. And while an injury to Bonino or one of the Cohen Brothers would be more initially devestating, this is a very tricky one for BU to get by. But if anybody can adjust on the fly, it's the bench boss for BU. Parker will find a way to solve this problem, as he does every other problem.
I'll be waiting to see what Jackie pulls out of his sleeve tonight.
Before Corey Trivino broke his fibula against Maine on Saturday, it's unlikely that all that many Terrier fans were transfixed on the importance of the sophomore center. However, now that he has gone down, just how BU will replace his production has become burning question number one in Terrier Land.
The main reason this is such a big deal is that BU has been incredibly successful on offense recently. When something is clicking at such a high rate, you simply don't want to mess with it.
And most unfortunately, Trivino's line has really been hitting its stride. In addition to Trivino's goal and assist in the weekend series against Maine, his linemates excelled as well. Zach Cohen enjoyed a 2 goal and 2 assist weekend, while Alex Chiasson assisted on one of his own.
The guy centering the second line hasn't been half bad either. Nick Bonino has registered at least one point in 9 consecutive games, and 13 of his last 14 games. In the 9 game streak, he has 3 goals and 12 assists. Bonino's linemates are coincidentally playing their best hockey of the year. Joe Pereira assisted on an eye popping 5 goals against Maine, while Ross Gaudet added two goals to his surprising season.
The moral of the story is that something has got to give. Will Parker shuffle all of his lines around, or will he simply pencil in Trivino's replacement into Corey's spot? Not to mention, who is going to be the replacement?
Corey Trivino's Injury Raises Some Concerns in Terrier Nation
This injury clearly couldn't come at a worse time for the Terriers. And while an injury to Bonino or one of the Cohen Brothers would be more initially devestating, this is a very tricky one for BU to get by. But if anybody can adjust on the fly, it's the bench boss for BU. Parker will find a way to solve this problem, as he does every other problem.
I'll be waiting to see what Jackie pulls out of his sleeve tonight.
Know Your Enemy: The "Worst of the Worst" Edition
Friars and Terriers Getting Together For a Home and Home
Let's call a spade a spade here.
PC is currently the not so proud owner of an 8 game winless streak, with the one point coming thanks to a 1-1 tie with Vermont. Earlier this year they ran into a 6 game losing streak. They have won a grand total of two games since November 24. That is not a mis-print. Two wins in three months. Two wins in 16 games.
But all of that being said, one of those two wins came over the Terriers. So let's not get too cocky.
Let's get to know the bottom feeders in Hockey East, the Providence Friars.
Let's call a spade a spade here.
The Providence Friars are not a good hockey team. They stink and they smell. They're ugly. They suck.
PC is currently the not so proud owner of an 8 game winless streak, with the one point coming thanks to a 1-1 tie with Vermont. Earlier this year they ran into a 6 game losing streak. They have won a grand total of two games since November 24. That is not a mis-print. Two wins in three months. Two wins in 16 games.
But all of that being said, one of those two wins came over the Terriers. So let's not get too cocky.
Let's get to know the bottom feeders in Hockey East, the Providence Friars.
Scoreboard Watching: Three Weekends Left
22 Points Up For Grabs Through Tuesday
As we come down the home stretch of the 2009-10 season, it's remarkable just how cluttered Hockey East still is. The Terriers sit smack in the middle of the mess, just four points behind BC for the 4 seed, yet just three points ahead of UVM for the 8th and final spot.
A grand total of 10 points separates #1 from #8, meaning that every game is still pivotal for every team. That makes it really fun for us fans.
UNH can become the first team to officially clinch a playoff spot this weekend by either earning a point, or by way of Merrimack losing or tying.
Let's take a look at this weekend, and how it will impact the Terriers going forward.
As we come down the home stretch of the 2009-10 season, it's remarkable just how cluttered Hockey East still is. The Terriers sit smack in the middle of the mess, just four points behind BC for the 4 seed, yet just three points ahead of UVM for the 8th and final spot.
A grand total of 10 points separates #1 from #8, meaning that every game is still pivotal for every team. That makes it really fun for us fans.
UNH can become the first team to officially clinch a playoff spot this weekend by either earning a point, or by way of Merrimack losing or tying.
Let's take a look at this weekend, and how it will impact the Terriers going forward.
Hometown Bias: Westchester, NY
Spotlight on Danny New
There are two reasons to write an entry on New. First of all, New had his way with the Terriers last time these teams met. Second, New is from my hometown of White Plains, NY.
There are two reasons to write an entry on New. First of all, New had his way with the Terriers last time these teams met. Second, New is from my hometown of White Plains, NY.
Back on January 15, New played a solid, complete game from end to end. On defense he played physical, getting sent to the box on several occasions, but making sure the Terriers knew he was there at all times. Near the end of the game, Chris Connolly was harrssing Alex Beaudry in the crease, and New cleared house, absolutely decking Connolly to protect his goalie.
In addition to his tough D, New scored a goal on karma type goal for the Terriers. New ripped a worm burner from the point on the power play that Millan had a read on until BU defenseman Colby Cohen tipped the shot up and over Kieran Millan's glove. New also assisted on the Friars' first goal of the night.
In addition to his tough D, New scored a goal on karma type goal for the Terriers. New ripped a worm burner from the point on the power play that Millan had a read on until BU defenseman Colby Cohen tipped the shot up and over Kieran Millan's glove. New also assisted on the Friars' first goal of the night.
All in all, the sophomore defender has 4 goals and 8 assists this season, in 27 games. The 12 points doubles New's scoring output from all of his freshman year.
He has established himself as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise ugly season for the Friars. He is also good friends with Nick Bonino and Kevin Shattenkirk, so don't be surprised if New knows how to get under some of the Terriers players' skin.
As we will discuss in the Know Your Enemy segment, Providence leans on its defense heavily. When I say that, I mean that they really don't have an offense to speak of. When PC has been close in games, it has been because the defense has played well enough to keep them alive. This weekend will be no different, and New will be at the front of the line of defenders attempting to topple the defending champs.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
More Trivino Injury News
Parker Says Injury Better Long Term Than High Ankle Sprain
Corey Trivino may be out for the rest of the season, but the broken fibula he suffered against Maine on Saturday is actually a better scenario for Trivino long term than the ankle sprain that the team originally believed he he had.
Parker told the Daily Free Press that “There should be no long-term ramifications. That bone heals easiliy –– it’s a non-weight bearing bone. It’s almost better than the high-ankle sprain except that he’ll be out the whole year. The injury itself will heal better than a nagging high-ankle sprain.”
Also interesting is that Parker did not rule out the possibility of a return for his centerman if the Terriers could find a way to make a very deep run into the playoffs.
“We’re probably going to be missing him for the whole year,” Parker told the FreeP. “If we ever got to Detroit [for the Frozen Four], he might be able to come back for that.”
Corey Trivino may be out for the rest of the season, but the broken fibula he suffered against Maine on Saturday is actually a better scenario for Trivino long term than the ankle sprain that the team originally believed he he had.
Parker told the Daily Free Press that “There should be no long-term ramifications. That bone heals easiliy –– it’s a non-weight bearing bone. It’s almost better than the high-ankle sprain except that he’ll be out the whole year. The injury itself will heal better than a nagging high-ankle sprain.”
“We’re probably going to be missing him for the whole year,” Parker told the FreeP. “If we ever got to Detroit [for the Frozen Four], he might be able to come back for that.”
One more reason to hope for a repeat, folks. A triumphant Corey Trivino return in dramatic fashion in April.
There is still no official word on how Jackie will shake up the lines on Friday in Providence to fill the gap on his first line left by the injury. Kevin Gilroy is a likely candidate to fill Trivino's spot in the group of 12 forwards.
Drury Scores At Olympics vs Norway
I Told You He Could Make a Difference
Hey, I don't wanna say that I told you so, but I FREAKIN' TOLD YOU SO!
Chris Drury, the overlooked and under appreciated elder statesman of the USA Hockey team netted a goal in the 1st period of today's USA-Norway match-up. Drury scored off an assist from Rangers' teammate Ryan Callahan and new Olympic stud David Backes.
Let's take a look back at exactly what I said yesterday, shall we?
So basically Ron Wilson is using Drury as an on-ice assistant coach? I love that Drury is on the team, but I wish he was getting a little more love than this. The guy can still play, and he can still score even if he is having a bit of a down year.
I love the fact that the guy is getting credit for his leadership, which he should, but don't invite a guy to the team if you don't think he can play.
I hope Drury shows everyone some flashes of his old self and surprises the world with an offensive outburst up there in Vancouver to shut a few people up.
Hey, I don't wanna say that I told you so, but I FREAKIN' TOLD YOU SO!
Chris Drury, the overlooked and under appreciated elder statesman of the USA Hockey team netted a goal in the 1st period of today's USA-Norway match-up. Drury scored off an assist from Rangers' teammate Ryan Callahan and new Olympic stud David Backes.
Let's take a look back at exactly what I said yesterday, shall we?
So basically Ron Wilson is using Drury as an on-ice assistant coach? I love that Drury is on the team, but I wish he was getting a little more love than this. The guy can still play, and he can still score even if he is having a bit of a down year.
I love the fact that the guy is getting credit for his leadership, which he should, but don't invite a guy to the team if you don't think he can play.
I hope Drury shows everyone some flashes of his old self and surprises the world with an offensive outburst up there in Vancouver to shut a few people up.
Doubters, consider yourselves silenced!
Drury's goal added to Toronto's Phil Kessel's tally to give the Americans a 2-0 lead, which they currently hold in the second period. Oh and as a sidenote, Drury just headlined a penalty kill unit that completely stuffed Norway's powerplay opportunity.
GO TERRIERS!
***UPDATE 4:05 PM****
After a Pat Kane goal made it 3-0, Drury set up what could have been and probably should have been USA's fourth goal. Drury rushed to the left side of the Norway goal and tossed a puck in front to David Backes who missed the pass. Just saying, Drury is playing like a champ.
Drury also just set y
***UPDATE 4:05 PM****
After a Pat Kane goal made it 3-0, Drury set up what could have been and probably should have been USA's fourth goal. Drury rushed to the left side of the Norway goal and tossed a puck in front to David Backes who missed the pass. Just saying, Drury is playing like a champ.
Drury also just set y
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Justin Milo Booted From UVM Roster
Catamounts' Second Leading Scorer Dismissed
Vermont Head Coach Kevin Sneddon has cut ties with Senior Forward Justin Milo, telling the Burlington Free Press, “We just felt it was in the best interests of our program to move forward without him."
Milo has 9 goals and 12 assists in just 20 games for Vermont this season, having been benched for what the team described as inconsistent effort.
The Vermont Hockey Blog has this to say on the situation:
"It wasn’t difficult to figure out that Milo was in the coaching doghouse. He had been there for the St. Lawrence game in December when he was listed as a “healthy scratch, coach’s decision.” Since UVM is consistent in announcing game absences for illness, injury or violations of the student-athlete code of conduct, Milo’s benching, one can surmise, had to do with his hockey.
Friday, Milo was scratched again, another indication that things were not running smoothly between coach and player. When Milo didn’t suit up for Saturday’s game, it was obvious the matter was serious.
But serious enough to warrant dismissal? Maybe; maybe not. Sneddon believes it was; Milo doesn’t; the eternal clash of perspectives of coach and player."
Vermont Head Coach Kevin Sneddon has cut ties with Senior Forward Justin Milo, telling the Burlington Free Press, “We just felt it was in the best interests of our program to move forward without him."
Milo has 9 goals and 12 assists in just 20 games for Vermont this season, having been benched for what the team described as inconsistent effort.
Milo Was "Shocked" By the Dismissal
The Vermont Hockey Blog has this to say on the situation:
"It wasn’t difficult to figure out that Milo was in the coaching doghouse. He had been there for the St. Lawrence game in December when he was listed as a “healthy scratch, coach’s decision.” Since UVM is consistent in announcing game absences for illness, injury or violations of the student-athlete code of conduct, Milo’s benching, one can surmise, had to do with his hockey.
Friday, Milo was scratched again, another indication that things were not running smoothly between coach and player. When Milo didn’t suit up for Saturday’s game, it was obvious the matter was serious.
But serious enough to warrant dismissal? Maybe; maybe not. Sneddon believes it was; Milo doesn’t; the eternal clash of perspectives of coach and player."
This certainly impacts the Terriers, as they still have two games to play with the Catamounts up in Burlington on February 26th and 28th.
UVM is in a relative free-fall down Hockey East, with just 1 win in their past five games. There are three ties mixed in there as well, but against the likes of Providence and Merrimack, that certainly won't get it done.
The Cats are 5-4-3 in the new year, and have just found ways to let wins slip away and turn into losses. One would figure that the loss of a key goal scorer would not aid the Cats in their efforts to solidify the 8th and final spot in Hockey East, but perhaps Milo was that detrimental to the clubhouse.
With just 6 games left in the regular season, and Milo's collegiate career, one would assume there is much more than meets the eye to this situation.
The Games of the Olympiad
Some Terrier Thoughts, Thanks To KPD
"Chris Drury, 32, is a somewhat curious fit on a US squad that features youth and little connection to America’s past Olympic endeavors. He also isn’t having a very good year with the Rangers, in part due to a concussion he suffered in November.
But Team USA’s hierarchy, including general manager Brian Burke and coach Ron Wilson, were adamant about including Drury. They consider the former BU star and onetime Stanley Cup winner with the Avalanche to be the consummate leader, akin to an extra coach.
“He’s there because of the way he played today,’’ said Wilson, who used Drury as his 13th forward and key penalty killer. “He does the little detail, grunt work. We have plenty of guys who can score and he can still score. But we need people dedicated to being on the right side of the puck 100 percent of the time and to lead by example. We’ve got so many young guys that to have a voice of reason and experience in the room is huge.
“At some point in this tournament, I think he will be a hero for us in one of these games. He reminds me, and I know this is going to be corny, of a Mike Eruzione type player. I’m not saying if we get to the gold-medal game that [Drury] will score, but he is that type of person - that glue in the room.’’
Kevin Paul Dupont, The Boston Globe
So basically Ron Wilson is using Drury as an on-ice assistant coach? I love that Drury is on the team, but I wish he was getting a little more love than this. The guy can still play, and he can still score even if he is having a bit of a down year.
I love the fact that the guy is getting credit for his leadership, which he should, but don't invite a guy to the team if you don't think he can play.
I hope Drury shows everyone some flashes of his old self and surprises the world with an offensive outburst up there in Vancouver to shut a few people up.
"Chris Drury, 32, is a somewhat curious fit on a US squad that features youth and little connection to America’s past Olympic endeavors. He also isn’t having a very good year with the Rangers, in part due to a concussion he suffered in November.
But Team USA’s hierarchy, including general manager Brian Burke and coach Ron Wilson, were adamant about including Drury. They consider the former BU star and onetime Stanley Cup winner with the Avalanche to be the consummate leader, akin to an extra coach.
“He’s there because of the way he played today,’’ said Wilson, who used Drury as his 13th forward and key penalty killer. “He does the little detail, grunt work. We have plenty of guys who can score and he can still score. But we need people dedicated to being on the right side of the puck 100 percent of the time and to lead by example. We’ve got so many young guys that to have a voice of reason and experience in the room is huge.
“At some point in this tournament, I think he will be a hero for us in one of these games. He reminds me, and I know this is going to be corny, of a Mike Eruzione type player. I’m not saying if we get to the gold-medal game that [Drury] will score, but he is that type of person - that glue in the room.’’
Kevin Paul Dupont, The Boston Globe
So basically Ron Wilson is using Drury as an on-ice assistant coach? I love that Drury is on the team, but I wish he was getting a little more love than this. The guy can still play, and he can still score even if he is having a bit of a down year.
I love the fact that the guy is getting credit for his leadership, which he should, but don't invite a guy to the team if you don't think he can play.
I hope Drury shows everyone some flashes of his old self and surprises the world with an offensive outburst up there in Vancouver to shut a few people up.
FreeP: Corey Trivino Out For the Year
Broken Fibula to Sideline Sophomore
"Sophomore center Corey Trivino is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a fractured right fibula, according to a source close to the team.
Trivino suffered the injury in the third period of the Terriers' 5-2 win over Maine on Saturday night when Black Bear defenseman Jeff Dimmen sent him feet-first into the end boards with a hard body check.
BU coach Jack Parker initially called the injury a high ankle sprain in his postgame press conference and did not set a timetable for Trivino's return.
Unfortunately for Trivino and the Terriers, the injury was more serious than that."
Scott McLaughlin, Daily Free Press
Corey Trivino has been the center for Alex Chiasson and Zach Cohen, and is a big part of this team as a two-way forward. He's one of the guys who can make a big difference in a game without finding his way into the box score, and losing him is a big blow to BU.
It's tough to say how they will work around this, but with the chemistry I've seen on the Gaudet-Bonino-Pereiera line, I'll be disappointed if this injury breaks that trio up.
Trivino has 4 goals and 11 assists on the season.
"Sophomore center Corey Trivino is expected to miss the remainder of the season with a fractured right fibula, according to a source close to the team.
Trivino suffered the injury in the third period of the Terriers' 5-2 win over Maine on Saturday night when Black Bear defenseman Jeff Dimmen sent him feet-first into the end boards with a hard body check.
BU coach Jack Parker initially called the injury a high ankle sprain in his postgame press conference and did not set a timetable for Trivino's return.
Unfortunately for Trivino and the Terriers, the injury was more serious than that."
Scott McLaughlin, Daily Free Press
Corey Trivino has been the center for Alex Chiasson and Zach Cohen, and is a big part of this team as a two-way forward. He's one of the guys who can make a big difference in a game without finding his way into the box score, and losing him is a big blow to BU.
It's tough to say how they will work around this, but with the chemistry I've seen on the Gaudet-Bonino-Pereiera line, I'll be disappointed if this injury breaks that trio up.
Trivino has 4 goals and 11 assists on the season.
Six Games To Go
BU Looking For Strong Finish
Well, sort of.
Bottom line, these teams are evenly matched. They come to play when they play each other. But BU has the edge in regular season series. If you want to call it a push, call it a push. Either way it's a success to be right next to one of the top 5 teams in the nation.
BU won the season series 2-1, with a score of 10-9.
Somewhat surprisingly, the Terriers have excelled against Hockey East competition....all season. Not just in the second half, not just since January, but all year.
Well, sort of.
Let's take a look at the way BU has matched up with its conference foes this season.
VS Boston College
We already know how these two teams have matched up in Hockey East play, but let's go through it anyway. The Terriers won the regular season series with the Eagles (despite dropping the non-conference Beanpot Final) 2-1.
BC outscored BU 10-9 in that season series, thanks to a three goal win in the first weekend of December. Since then, the Terriers have won a season defining game at Fenway Park and have taken a big overtime victory from the Eagles at Conte Forum. They haven't had nearly as much trouble with John Muse as most teams have, and even in the Beanpot loss, BU stuck with BC to the very end.
Bottom line, these teams are evenly matched. They come to play when they play each other. But BU has the edge in regular season series. If you want to call it a push, call it a push. Either way it's a success to be right next to one of the top 5 teams in the nation.
VS Maine
Despite dropping an early season road game at Maine, BU has bounced back to win the season series against the Black Bears, 2-1. BU has outscored Maine by a count of 14-9 in the season series. The recent series proves that the BU offense knows the key to unlocking Scott Darling's game, as well as how to neutralize Gustv Nyquist.
VS UMass Amherst
The Terriers opened their season on the road with a disappointing loss at Amherst in which the then-#2 BU team gave up two early goals, came back to tie it, only to watch the game slip away. As they did for most of the early season games, BU outshot UMass by a wide margin, mostly low percentage shots with very few quality passes in between.
Since then, the Terriers have bounced back to win the season series 2-1 over the Minutemen. The Terriers began their grand turnaround with a 7-3 romp over UMass in which Colby Cohen showed us all he knows how to play hockey. BU followed up that performance with one of their most complete victories of the year, a 6-2 thrashing of the Minutemen on January 29.
All in all, it's a 2-1 record for the Terriers, who have outscored the Minutemen by a count of 15 - 8. BU looked better against UMass than perhaps anyone else in the conference. If the playoffs started today, the Minutemen would come to Agganis for a best of three.
VS UMass Lowell
These two teams split a halloween weekend home and home series, which saw BU win 5-4 in OT at Lowell, only to come home to a 3-2 Riverhawks victory at Agganis the next night.
However on February 2nd, the Terriers secured their season series with Lowell, taking a hard fought 3-2 road victory to the bank with a great third period defensive effort, in which they allowed just 2 shots on net.
BU won the season series 2-1, with a score of 10-9.
VS Merrimack
BU and Mack split an ugly home and home series early on in the campaign. Mack won at home 6-3, and BU took the game the next night 6-4.
However in January, BU would come out on top in the regular season rubber match, taking another shootout victory, 6-4.
BU leads the season series 2-1, outscoring the Warriors 15-14.
THE REST
Then it gets a bit dicey. UNH simply dominated BU in the teams' most recent game at Agganis, an ugly 4-1 loss for the Terriers. UNH also won 4-2 over the Terriers in November, as well as skating to a 3-3 tie. The good news is that the Wildcats are the only team (so far) that has taken the season series from the Terriers.
That leaves Providence, Vermont and Northeastern. The Friars have won four Hockey East games all season long. The Catamounts have entered an ugly tailspin that is the exact opposite of BU's second half, erasing the hard work of October to December. And Northeastern has gotten hot lately, winning 4 in a row and 6 of 7, but they are not a powerhouse. They are a beatable team, as the Terriers proved in the Beanpot Opener.
The point of all this is that there are six games left against beatable teams. Six games that the Terriers need to win, and more importantly that they can win. Six games to determine three more season series. Six games to push BU up the Hockey East ranks, and to try and solidify a spot among the elite of the National ranks. Six games to test whether the Terriers will be a contender or an also ran. Six games to prove that the Terriers can bring it against not just the best teams, but that they can keep their level of play high against mediocre team.
Six games for the season.
However in January, BU would come out on top in the regular season rubber match, taking another shootout victory, 6-4.
BU leads the season series 2-1, outscoring the Warriors 15-14.
THE REST
Then it gets a bit dicey. UNH simply dominated BU in the teams' most recent game at Agganis, an ugly 4-1 loss for the Terriers. UNH also won 4-2 over the Terriers in November, as well as skating to a 3-3 tie. The good news is that the Wildcats are the only team (so far) that has taken the season series from the Terriers.
That leaves Providence, Vermont and Northeastern. The Friars have won four Hockey East games all season long. The Catamounts have entered an ugly tailspin that is the exact opposite of BU's second half, erasing the hard work of October to December. And Northeastern has gotten hot lately, winning 4 in a row and 6 of 7, but they are not a powerhouse. They are a beatable team, as the Terriers proved in the Beanpot Opener.
The point of all this is that there are six games left against beatable teams. Six games that the Terriers need to win, and more importantly that they can win. Six games to determine three more season series. Six games to push BU up the Hockey East ranks, and to try and solidify a spot among the elite of the National ranks. Six games to test whether the Terriers will be a contender or an also ran. Six games to prove that the Terriers can bring it against not just the best teams, but that they can keep their level of play high against mediocre team.
Six games for the season.
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