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?

Corey Trivino's Injury Raises Some Concerns in Terrier Nation

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.