Stars of the Season Series

A Closer Look at Who Shined in BU-Mack This Year


Over the course of the three game set, several players stood head and shoulders above the rest to either lead their team to victory, or keep them in a game.

Here are five difference makers in the season series between the Terriers and Warriors, who will match up this weekend for at least two more games.

#1) Grant Rollheiser -- BU

Grant hasn't been spectacular all season long with BU, but in his time against Merrimack, he was on his game.  Rollie got into his first game action of the season in the second game of the home and home with Merrimack in November.  Not only did Rollie come out and win his first start of the year personally, but he righted the ship for the Terriers, standing tall to break a four game losing streak for the staggering defending champs.

His second start against Mack came on the heels of another awful BU outing, this time a horrendous loss to Providence.  Not so coincidentally, it was another bad night for Kieran Millan.

In his two games against Mack, both victories, Rollie the Goalie saved 64 of 72 Mack offerings (89%) and allowed four goals in each game.  He was peppered with shots, and he was able to stand tall enough to be the last man standing in two shoot-outs.  He inspired enough confidence in his teammates to come out on top of two very close, back and forth battles.

#2) Stephane Da Costa -- Mack

As he has all year long, Da Costa shined in the three game series between BU and Merrimack.  Da Costa scored two goals and three assists in the three games, and spent the entire 180 minutes showing Terrier fans what the people in North Andover were so excited about.  Da Costa flew all over the ice, made crisp clean passes, and most importantly, showed an undeniable nose for the net.

Da Costa earned five Hockey East Rookie of the month honors, setting a record, thanks to his 15 goals and 30 assists in his 31 games.  He is a monster, and will undoubtedly play a big part in this weekend's playoff series.

#3) Colby Cohen -- BU

Colby had 3 goals (1 GW) and an assist in the three games against Mack.  They were important to spurring Colby's breakout season, as BU clicked on the power play in their November series, and continued to click offensively as a unit in their game in January.  Colby is now second on the Terriers with 14 goals.

#4) Chris Connolly -- BU

Connolly has registered at least one point in each of the three games against Mack for a total of 3 goals and 2 assists.   His five points include a game winning goal and a game ending goal (empty netter in a tough 6-4 win).

Connolly's speedy style seems to match-up well with Mack, and he clearly has a beat on Andrew Braithwaite, who started both Mack losses.  Connolly is a huge part of the Terrier offense, and it is no coincidence that his high level of play against Mack keyed two Terrier victories.  BU will need Connolly to be at his fast-paced best to keep up with Mack's goal scorers.

#5) Chris Barton -- Mack

Just like Connolly, Barton has gotten his name on the scoresheet in all three match-ups with Merrimack this year.  Barton has one goal and 4 helpers in the season series for Mack, and as the team's second leading scorer and leading goal scorer he is always a big part of the offense.

Barton's assists went to Cucci twice, and to Da Costa and Brodhag.  Barton is the assistant captain of the Warriors, and is comprable to Nick Bonino in their offense.