Let''s Play Two

Terriers Look For Weekend Sweep, Season Victory Over Maine

After an impressive offensive effort and an underwhelming and at times lazy defensive effort, BU will look to take two more points from the Black Bears tonight at Agganis Arena.  Here are a few big things to watch for when the teams meet up again.

#1) Goalie Roulette

Last night both managers went deep into their bullpens and used their middle relievers heavily in the offensive shootout.  In all seriousness, there were an incredible amount of galie swaps last night, and neither head coach seemed particularly pleased with their netminders.  Tim Whitehead yanked heralded goalie Scott Darling to start the third.  His replacement, Shaky Shawn Sirman allowed three very easy scores for the Terriers, taking a Corey Trivino kick to the head as David Warsofsky's missle of a shot gave him whiplash.  Whitehead was forced to toss Darling back in.

Jack Parker also made a statement to his Starter Du Jour, Kieran Millan.  After a great first period, Millan seemed to lose his edge, and Parker had finally seen enough after the fourth Maine score.  At that point, Junior Adam Kraus got into his fourth career regular season games, turning away all four shots he saw. 

Who will start tonight?  Can anyone stop a puck?  I'd be shcoked if Kieran Millan gets the nod, but I'd be just as shocked if Scott Darling didn't.

#2) Can't Stop Colby

Colby Cohen was not himself last night.  That being said, he earned the second star of the game with a goal and two assists.  Hopefully he can battle through his hip injury and make an impact again tonight, but I'm not entirely convinced that he'll be able to do that.  It's still incredible to me that he has become such a huge part of this team specifically offensively, but his defense was definitley lacking last night.  Nonetheless, he found a way to help the team, as he has each of the past 11 games.


#3) Powerless

Best power play in the nation? Hardly.

Maine had four chances last night, all in the first two periods.  The Terriers were even more disciplined than that line demonstrates, as the officials got a bit call happy, especially on the penalties to Eric Gryba and Vinny Saponari.  But only after the PK unit was drained by an extended 5 on 3 did they finally bend to the will of the Black Bears power play.  The penalty kill was extremely aggressive, led by Chris Connolly and Joe Pereira, who made a ton of noise in the Maine zone on the forecheck.

Can they possibly hold them down again tonight?  The law of averages says no, but my eyes tell me they can.


#4) Too Much Nyquil

The best player on Maine's roster is Gustav Nyquist.  Despite a few flashes of brilliance, particularly with his rocket of a shot and fancy moves, Gustav was a complete non-factor last night.  No goals, no assists and a -2 rating.  If he doesn't get going tonight, expect a similar result for the Black Bears.  But if he does get his legs under him, watch out.


#5) Nicky You're So Fine

With a goal and an assist, Nick Bonino continued his ridiculous offensive streak.  He has now registered a point in 8 straight games, and 12 of the last 13 games.  He now has 26 points on the year, 19 of them assists.

It's no coincidence that his hot play has come at the same time that the Terriers have gotten hot.  There was a time when the Terriers never lost if Bonino got on the sheet.  Although that's not quite true any longer, the offense does still roll through him.  When he's on, the offense is on.  If he can stay on tonight, BU should get some more goals.


#6) The Meek Shall Inherit the Points

Pereira and Gaudet played terrific games last night, bringing some glory to the 4th line.  It's so important to roll out dominant offense for 60 minutes, and if these guys play like they did last night, Terriers' opponents won't ever be able to catch their breath.  They really pushed the offense to its beautiful seven goal performance.