Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Terriers show no desperation, get flattened 7-3 by Vermont
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
BURLINGTON, Vt. –– With teams four through nine in the Hockey East standings separated by a mere two points with now just a weekend and a half left in the season, everyone in that logjam is desperate for points.
BU coach Jack Parker said he knew the No. 18 University of Vermont would be desperate because it was in ninth coming into this weekend, but that he expected his team to be just as desperate because it could still end up ninth.
On Friday night, the Terriers (14-14-3, 11-11-2 HE) weren’t desperate. The Catamounts (14-11-6, 8-11-6) dominated every aspect of the game en route to an emphatic 7-3 win.
BURLINGTON, Vt. –– With teams four through nine in the Hockey East standings separated by a mere two points with now just a weekend and a half left in the season, everyone in that logjam is desperate for points.
BU coach Jack Parker said he knew the No. 18 University of Vermont would be desperate because it was in ninth coming into this weekend, but that he expected his team to be just as desperate because it could still end up ninth.
On Friday night, the Terriers (14-14-3, 11-11-2 HE) weren’t desperate. The Catamounts (14-11-6, 8-11-6) dominated every aspect of the game en route to an emphatic 7-3 win.
BU vs. Vermont Live Blog
Note: I've heard that the internet at Gutterson is about as predictable as New England weather. Word is you have to keep signing on every time it goes out. So, if I disappear at all this weekend, that's why. Well, that or I ate too much Ben & Jerry's.
-Scott
-Scott
From the FreeP: Ailing Terriers head to Vermont for weekend set
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Rest, relaxation and a bit of chicken noodle soup are what most of the No. 20 Boston University men’s hockey team could use this weekend.
Instead, the team can look forward to a three-and-a-half hour bus ride, a weekend in blustery Burlington, Vt. (highs are projected in the 30s with rain/snow all weekend) and a key two-game set with the No. 18 University of Vermont.
The Terriers (14-13-3, 11-10-2 Hockey East) will make the trek to take on the Catamounts (13-11-6, 7-10-6) with a handful of players battling the same illness that held freshman forward Wade Megan out of the lineup for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Providence College.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Rest, relaxation and a bit of chicken noodle soup are what most of the No. 20 Boston University men’s hockey team could use this weekend.
Instead, the team can look forward to a three-and-a-half hour bus ride, a weekend in blustery Burlington, Vt. (highs are projected in the 30s with rain/snow all weekend) and a key two-game set with the No. 18 University of Vermont.
The Terriers (14-13-3, 11-10-2 Hockey East) will make the trek to take on the Catamounts (13-11-6, 7-10-6) with a handful of players battling the same illness that held freshman forward Wade Megan out of the lineup for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Providence College.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Parker on the Olympics
Working on the preview for this weekends' action, and had a few quotes from BU coach Jack Parker about the Olympics and international hockey. Some pretty interesting stuff if you're into the subject, and since I don't have a notebook or anything planned for the near future, I'll just leave the quotes here for your reading pleasure.
By the way, Parker (like the rest of the world, really) still thinks the Canadians are the favorites to win Gold this year (note: he said this Wednesday before the boys north of the the border stomped the Russians). He added that, based on the rosters, the US has the fourth or fifth best team in Vancouver right now.
By the way, Parker (like the rest of the world, really) still thinks the Canadians are the favorites to win Gold this year (note: he said this Wednesday before the boys north of the the border stomped the Russians). He added that, based on the rosters, the US has the fourth or fifth best team in Vancouver right now.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
From the FreeP: Hockey East Power Rankings
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
1) No. 7 Boston College (18-10-2, 13-8-2)
The Eagles might be four points out of first, but they’re clearly the best team in Hockey East. They’re second in offense (3.70 goals per game), tied for first in defense (2.53 goals-against average) and second in special teams (+12 net). BC is 6-2-0 in its last eight games and has utterly demolished some of those opponents, picking up wins of 5-2 over Providence, 6-0 over Harvard, 7-1 over UMass-Amherst and 7-1 over Northeastern during that stretch.
2) No. 11 University of New Hampshire (15-10-5, 14-5-4)
After an incredible 10-1-2 run from mid-November to mid-January, the Wildcats have cooled off a bit, going just 3-3-1 since. Still, they have a four-point cushion in the standings and would be one of just two Hockey East teams (along with BC) in the NCAA Tournament if the season ended today. With six goals in his last three games, senior forward Bobby Butler (sixth in the country with 44 points) is making a strong push in the Hobey Baker race.
1) No. 7 Boston College (18-10-2, 13-8-2)
The Eagles might be four points out of first, but they’re clearly the best team in Hockey East. They’re second in offense (3.70 goals per game), tied for first in defense (2.53 goals-against average) and second in special teams (+12 net). BC is 6-2-0 in its last eight games and has utterly demolished some of those opponents, picking up wins of 5-2 over Providence, 6-0 over Harvard, 7-1 over UMass-Amherst and 7-1 over Northeastern during that stretch.
2) No. 11 University of New Hampshire (15-10-5, 14-5-4)
After an incredible 10-1-2 run from mid-November to mid-January, the Wildcats have cooled off a bit, going just 3-3-1 since. Still, they have a four-point cushion in the standings and would be one of just two Hockey East teams (along with BC) in the NCAA Tournament if the season ended today. With six goals in his last three games, senior forward Bobby Butler (sixth in the country with 44 points) is making a strong push in the Hobey Baker race.
Monday, February 22, 2010
From the FreeP: Zach Cohen nets game-winner as Terriers earn weekend split
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
The No. 19 Boston University men’s hockey team knew that Providence College liked to pack its defenders below the faceoff dots in its own end. And the Terriers knew the play that would crack that shell –– a pass from the goal line back to the point for a quick one-timer before the defense could get in the shooting lane.
They worked on it all week and used it a number of times this weekend. They were creating good chances off the play, but they weren’t scoring. At least not until it mattered most.
Tied 1-1 with six minutes remaining in Saturday night’s game, freshman forward Alex Chiasson collected the puck along the right goal line and delivered a pass to freshman defenseman Max Nicastro (2 assists) at the right point.
Without hesitating, Nicastro fired the puck toward the front of the net, where senior forward Zach Cohen redirected it past Friar goalie Alex Beaudry (39 saves) to put the Terriers ahead for good.
The No. 19 Boston University men’s hockey team knew that Providence College liked to pack its defenders below the faceoff dots in its own end. And the Terriers knew the play that would crack that shell –– a pass from the goal line back to the point for a quick one-timer before the defense could get in the shooting lane.
They worked on it all week and used it a number of times this weekend. They were creating good chances off the play, but they weren’t scoring. At least not until it mattered most.
Tied 1-1 with six minutes remaining in Saturday night’s game, freshman forward Alex Chiasson collected the puck along the right goal line and delivered a pass to freshman defenseman Max Nicastro (2 assists) at the right point.
Without hesitating, Nicastro fired the puck toward the front of the net, where senior forward Zach Cohen redirected it past Friar goalie Alex Beaudry (39 saves) to put the Terriers ahead for good.
From the FreeP: Glass makes the most of his return to the lineup
By Cary Betagole/DFP Staff
Ten games spent watching from the sidelines in street-clothes can wear on a hockey player, and for a highly touted recruit like sophomore forward Andrew Glass, it can be downright unbearable.
“It was frustrating for a while, but you just have to keep working hard and hope that eventually it’ll pay off,” Glass said of his 10-game streak of healthy scratches.
But Glass’s return to the Boston University men’s hockey team’s third line paid off in dramatic fashion Saturday night, as he broke up Providence goalie Alex Beaudry’s shutout in the third period with a goal to tie the game at 1-1.
Ten games spent watching from the sidelines in street-clothes can wear on a hockey player, and for a highly touted recruit like sophomore forward Andrew Glass, it can be downright unbearable.
“It was frustrating for a while, but you just have to keep working hard and hope that eventually it’ll pay off,” Glass said of his 10-game streak of healthy scratches.
But Glass’s return to the Boston University men’s hockey team’s third line paid off in dramatic fashion Saturday night, as he broke up Providence goalie Alex Beaudry’s shutout in the third period with a goal to tie the game at 1-1.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Andrew Glass and Zach Cohen Postgame Transcript
Glass
On having to sit and watch for more than a month before getting in tonight:
It was frustrating for a while, but you just have to keep working hard and hope that eventually it’ll pay off. It was nice to finally get in there and nice to kind of take advantage of the situation and just put one in.
On his goal:
Just a scramble in front of the net. My linemates –– Popko and Pereira –– were really good down low tonight. We were just kind of throwing pucks at the net, and it just came to my stick and I shot it and it went in.
On the mental aspect of sitting for such a long period of time:
It’s funny, I actually talked to Zach this week about it because he was in a similar situation before. He just basically said, ‘Keep your head up and keep working hard. Eventually it’s gonna pay off and you’re gonna get your chance, and just take advantage of it.’ Coach told me I was in the lineup, so I said, ‘Just play confident and loose and see what happens.’
On having to sit and watch for more than a month before getting in tonight:
It was frustrating for a while, but you just have to keep working hard and hope that eventually it’ll pay off. It was nice to finally get in there and nice to kind of take advantage of the situation and just put one in.
On his goal:
Just a scramble in front of the net. My linemates –– Popko and Pereira –– were really good down low tonight. We were just kind of throwing pucks at the net, and it just came to my stick and I shot it and it went in.
On the mental aspect of sitting for such a long period of time:
It’s funny, I actually talked to Zach this week about it because he was in a similar situation before. He just basically said, ‘Keep your head up and keep working hard. Eventually it’s gonna pay off and you’re gonna get your chance, and just take advantage of it.’ Coach told me I was in the lineup, so I said, ‘Just play confident and loose and see what happens.’
Jack Parker Postgame Transcript
General comments:
First off, I thought it was a great college hockey game. I would’ve been so disappointed if we had lost that game because we were playing so well. We had 41 shots. I like the way we’re playing from start to finish except that right after they scored in the second period, we were back on our heels for a good six or seven minutes. But after that, I thought we got back after it again.
A whole bunch of guys played real well for us. Our goaltender I thought played really well. He made the miraculous save on that mess-up there. And then we had a great effort by Joey Pereira. I thought his line played well. Obviously Glass got the big goal for us to tie it up, but Joey was terrific all night long in every phase of the game. Whatever line he plays on, he gives them so much energy, and I really like that line tonight.
We really shortened the bench in the third period. We only played three lines the entire third period. Our guys were changing very quickly so they weren’t too tired, and they really went after it pretty good. I think our defensive group played pretty well. Obviously Nicastro had a good night.
First off, I thought it was a great college hockey game. I would’ve been so disappointed if we had lost that game because we were playing so well. We had 41 shots. I like the way we’re playing from start to finish except that right after they scored in the second period, we were back on our heels for a good six or seven minutes. But after that, I thought we got back after it again.
A whole bunch of guys played real well for us. Our goaltender I thought played really well. He made the miraculous save on that mess-up there. And then we had a great effort by Joey Pereira. I thought his line played well. Obviously Glass got the big goal for us to tie it up, but Joey was terrific all night long in every phase of the game. Whatever line he plays on, he gives them so much energy, and I really like that line tonight.
We really shortened the bench in the third period. We only played three lines the entire third period. Our guys were changing very quickly so they weren’t too tired, and they really went after it pretty good. I think our defensive group played pretty well. Obviously Nicastro had a good night.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Parker: "The story of that game was 12-6"
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
“The story of that game was 12-6. That’s all I gotta say, boys.”
That’s the full transcript of Boston University coach Jack Parker’s four-second postgame press conference.
The 12-6 he refers to are the penalty totals in BU’s 5-4 loss at Providence College on Friday night –– 12 penalties called on the Terriers, just six on the Friars.
BU was on the penalty kill for nearly a third of the game –– 17 minutes, 5 seconds. Four Terrier penalties came fewer than two minutes after another penalty had just expired, and one call gave Providence a 5-on-3 for 1:27.
“The story of that game was 12-6. That’s all I gotta say, boys.”
That’s the full transcript of Boston University coach Jack Parker’s four-second postgame press conference.
The 12-6 he refers to are the penalty totals in BU’s 5-4 loss at Providence College on Friday night –– 12 penalties called on the Terriers, just six on the Friars.
BU was on the penalty kill for nearly a third of the game –– 17 minutes, 5 seconds. Four Terrier penalties came fewer than two minutes after another penalty had just expired, and one call gave Providence a 5-on-3 for 1:27.
Friars top Terriers, 5-4
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
The No. 19 Boston University men’s hockey team couldn’t make a 2-0 first period lead stand, dropping a 5-4 contest to Providence College Friday night. The loss was BU's second to the lowly Friars this season.
The Terriers (13-13-3, 10-10-2 Hockey East) struggled mightily to stay out of the penalty box, taking 12 penalties on the game to Providence's six. The Friars (10-17-2, 5-14-2) went 3-for-12 on the man-up. BU finished 1-for-5 on the power play, including consecutive chances with PC a man down in the game’s last five minutes.
The No. 19 Boston University men’s hockey team couldn’t make a 2-0 first period lead stand, dropping a 5-4 contest to Providence College Friday night. The loss was BU's second to the lowly Friars this season.
The Terriers (13-13-3, 10-10-2 Hockey East) struggled mightily to stay out of the penalty box, taking 12 penalties on the game to Providence's six. The Friars (10-17-2, 5-14-2) went 3-for-12 on the man-up. BU finished 1-for-5 on the power play, including consecutive chances with PC a man down in the game’s last five minutes.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
BREAKING NEWS: Trivino expected to miss remainder of season
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
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.
Earlier in the game, Trivino netted his fourth goal of the season when he collected a loose puck in the right side of the slot and beat Maine goalie Scott Darling stick-side with a quick snap shot.
Trivino ranks ninth on BU with 15 points, and Parker has praised him throughout the second semester for his great work on defense, as his line has consistently been matched up against opponents' top offensive units.
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.
Earlier in the game, Trivino netted his fourth goal of the season when he collected a loose puck in the right side of the slot and beat Maine goalie Scott Darling stick-side with a quick snap shot.
Trivino ranks ninth on BU with 15 points, and Parker has praised him throughout the second semester for his great work on defense, as his line has consistently been matched up against opponents' top offensive units.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Eric Gryba and Zach Cohen Saturday Night Postgame Transcripts
Transcriptions by Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Eric Gryba
On his three point night:
Yeah, even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while. It was one of those nights. I mean, just get the right pass at the right time and you get a couple points out of it.
On back to back wins:
That’s huge for us. That’s going to help our confidence so much more going down the final stretch here. We’re feeling really good about ourselves. We have a lot of confidence in each other. We’re starting to really click. That’s the first time we’ve swept a team all year in a weekend.
(Cohen) First time we’re over .500 too.
Yeah, we’re over .500, so that’s obviously huge for the team, huge for our confidence and huge for our morale.
Eric Gryba
On his three point night:
Yeah, even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while. It was one of those nights. I mean, just get the right pass at the right time and you get a couple points out of it.
On back to back wins:
That’s huge for us. That’s going to help our confidence so much more going down the final stretch here. We’re feeling really good about ourselves. We have a lot of confidence in each other. We’re starting to really click. That’s the first time we’ve swept a team all year in a weekend.
(Cohen) First time we’re over .500 too.
Yeah, we’re over .500, so that’s obviously huge for the team, huge for our confidence and huge for our morale.
Colby Cohen and Ross Gaudet Friday Night Postgame Transcripts
Transcriptions by Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Colby Cohen
On Maine’s two goals after BU killed off the 5-on-3:
I think guys did a good job tonight really not getting rattled about it. I think even at 2-2, I think guys started playing composed. We kind of put our foot down on the pedal at 2-2, and we sort of took the game over. I think we did that all night. I mean, 2-2, 4-2, 4-3 and then 7-3. I think guys just sort of had that mentality that it doesn’t matter what phase of the game it is, we’re really going to take it to them.
On his goal:
Hey, when they’re going in, they’re going in. So I guess I’ll take it, right?
Colby Cohen
On Maine’s two goals after BU killed off the 5-on-3:
I think guys did a good job tonight really not getting rattled about it. I think even at 2-2, I think guys started playing composed. We kind of put our foot down on the pedal at 2-2, and we sort of took the game over. I think we did that all night. I mean, 2-2, 4-2, 4-3 and then 7-3. I think guys just sort of had that mentality that it doesn’t matter what phase of the game it is, we’re really going to take it to them.
On his goal:
Hey, when they’re going in, they’re going in. So I guess I’ll take it, right?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Grading the Terriers: 2/13 vs. Maine
Offense – Grade A-
Fueled by goals from five different scorers, and multiple point efforts from Joe Pereira, Eric Gryba and Zach Cohen, BU pelted Maine goalie Scott Darling with 36 shots on net, and fired 70 shots in total. The Terriers dominated in offensive possession, especially in the first and third periods. In the first, BU tested Darling with twelve Grade-A shots, including five from Vinny Saponari alone –– Jack Parker described Saponari’s play Saturday as nothing short of “great.”
Fueled by goals from five different scorers, and multiple point efforts from Joe Pereira, Eric Gryba and Zach Cohen, BU pelted Maine goalie Scott Darling with 36 shots on net, and fired 70 shots in total. The Terriers dominated in offensive possession, especially in the first and third periods. In the first, BU tested Darling with twelve Grade-A shots, including five from Vinny Saponari alone –– Jack Parker described Saponari’s play Saturday as nothing short of “great.”
Friday, February 12, 2010
Grading the Terriers: 2/12 vs. Maine
By Cary Betagole/DFP Staff
Offense: A
The Terriers tied a season-high by scoring seven goals Friday night. Sophomore forward Ross Gaudet picked up the first two, good enough to earn him his second No. 1 star of the season, and the Bonino line had a combined plus-12 going until University of Maine forward Robby Dee’s wrister late in the game knocked them down to a plus-9. Sophomore forward Vinny Saponari’s redirect on sophomore forward Chris Connolly’s slapper from the point put the Terriers’ up 3-2, and helped BU assert its dominance over the rest of the game. Seven was also the most goals Maine has given up in a game all season.
Defense: B+
“Our top line was certainly not our top line tonight,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. The Terriers shutdown the Black Bears’ dynamic top unit headed by Hobey Baker hopeful Gustav Nyquist. He finished at minus-2 and so did the rest of the first line. The BU defense handled the Black Bears well below the blue line, blocking 24 shots, but BU coach Jack Parker wasn’t satisfied with their aid of sophomore goalie Kieran Millan. According to Parker, the netminder didn’t have a fair shot at defending any of Maine’s four goals thanks to defensive breakdowns. Junior defenseman Colby Cohen (1 goal, 2 assists), who’s been hobbled with a hip injury, didn’t seem very bothered. “He’s feeling pretty good,” Parker said.
Offense: A
The Terriers tied a season-high by scoring seven goals Friday night. Sophomore forward Ross Gaudet picked up the first two, good enough to earn him his second No. 1 star of the season, and the Bonino line had a combined plus-12 going until University of Maine forward Robby Dee’s wrister late in the game knocked them down to a plus-9. Sophomore forward Vinny Saponari’s redirect on sophomore forward Chris Connolly’s slapper from the point put the Terriers’ up 3-2, and helped BU assert its dominance over the rest of the game. Seven was also the most goals Maine has given up in a game all season.
Defense: B+
“Our top line was certainly not our top line tonight,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. The Terriers shutdown the Black Bears’ dynamic top unit headed by Hobey Baker hopeful Gustav Nyquist. He finished at minus-2 and so did the rest of the first line. The BU defense handled the Black Bears well below the blue line, blocking 24 shots, but BU coach Jack Parker wasn’t satisfied with their aid of sophomore goalie Kieran Millan. According to Parker, the netminder didn’t have a fair shot at defending any of Maine’s four goals thanks to defensive breakdowns. Junior defenseman Colby Cohen (1 goal, 2 assists), who’s been hobbled with a hip injury, didn’t seem very bothered. “He’s feeling pretty good,” Parker said.
BU vs. Maine Notebook
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Six Gun City
Earlier this season, Boston University coach Jack Parker called out his top lines, saying his top six forwards needed to play better at both ends of the ice.
That hasn’t been a problem in the second semester. The Terriers’ top trio of senior Zach Cohen, sophomore Corey Trivino and freshman Alex Chiasson has turned into a great defensive unit that Parker has matched up against most opponents’ top lines.
Friday night, they completely shut down one of the best lines in Hockey East, limiting the University of Maine’s top threesome of sophomore Brian Flynn, junior Tanner House and sophomore Gustav Nyquist to no goals and a combined minus-6 rating.
“Trivino’s line played against Nyquist’s line almost the whole night, and I thought they did a really good job against them,” Parker said.
Six Gun City
Earlier this season, Boston University coach Jack Parker called out his top lines, saying his top six forwards needed to play better at both ends of the ice.
That hasn’t been a problem in the second semester. The Terriers’ top trio of senior Zach Cohen, sophomore Corey Trivino and freshman Alex Chiasson has turned into a great defensive unit that Parker has matched up against most opponents’ top lines.
Friday night, they completely shut down one of the best lines in Hockey East, limiting the University of Maine’s top threesome of sophomore Brian Flynn, junior Tanner House and sophomore Gustav Nyquist to no goals and a combined minus-6 rating.
“Trivino’s line played against Nyquist’s line almost the whole night, and I thought they did a really good job against them,” Parker said.
Terriers top No. 12 Maine, 7-4
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Aided by a pair of goals from redshirt freshman Ross Gaudet, the Boston University men’s hockey team knocked off the No. 12 University of Maine Friday night, 7-4, at Agganis Arena.
The goals were Gaudet’s ninth and 10th of the season, tying him with Zach Cohen and putting him two behind junior Colby Cohen –– both of whom registered goals Friday –– for the team lead.
“He’s a very fast player,” BU coach Jack Parker said of Gaudet. “He’s one of our quickest skaters out there, and I think [strength and conditioning coach] Mike Boyle has made him. In one year, he’s taken him to a different body type, and it’s made him blossom.”
The goals were Gaudet’s ninth and 10th of the season, tying him with Zach Cohen and putting him two behind junior Colby Cohen –– both of whom registered goals Friday –– for the team lead.
“He’s a very fast player,” BU coach Jack Parker said of Gaudet. “He’s one of our quickest skaters out there, and I think [strength and conditioning coach] Mike Boyle has made him. In one year, he’s taken him to a different body type, and it’s made him blossom.”
Thursday, February 11, 2010
From the FreeP: Maine focus
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Before the season started, Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker said he thought the University of Maine would be the most improved team in Hockey East. But even he didn’t think the Black Bears would be this good.
“I thought they had a chance to be fighting for home ice,” Parker said after Wednesday’s practice. “I did not think they’d have a chance to win first place.”
Yet, the No. 12 Black Bears (14-9-3, 11-6-2) have that chance. They enter this weekend’s series with the Terriers (11-12-3, 8-9-2) tied with No. 10 Boston College for second in the league with 24 points, three behind the No. 15 University of New Hampshire.
Faceoff at Agganis Arena is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Before the season started, Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker said he thought the University of Maine would be the most improved team in Hockey East. But even he didn’t think the Black Bears would be this good.
“I thought they had a chance to be fighting for home ice,” Parker said after Wednesday’s practice. “I did not think they’d have a chance to win first place.”
Yet, the No. 12 Black Bears (14-9-3, 11-6-2) have that chance. They enter this weekend’s series with the Terriers (11-12-3, 8-9-2) tied with No. 10 Boston College for second in the league with 24 points, three behind the No. 15 University of New Hampshire.
Faceoff at Agganis Arena is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
From the FreeP: BU falls to BC, 4-3, in Beanpot title game
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Great goaltending from sophomore Kieran Millan and a furious third-period comeback weren’t enough to overcome a dismal second period and questionable officiating last night when the Boston University men’s hockey team fell to No. 10 Boston College, 4-3, in the Beanpot championship game.
Millan (28 saves) made glove save after kick save after pad save throughout the night, but two unlucky bounces and two defensive breakdowns led to four straight BC goals that gave the Eagles (16-8-2) what proved to be an insurmountable three-goal lead.
“I was real pleased with our team tonight,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “I was pleased with our goaltending. I was pleased with our overall team defense. I was pleased with our penalty kill. … I really thought that every one of my guys kept working hard.”
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Great goaltending from sophomore Kieran Millan and a furious third-period comeback weren’t enough to overcome a dismal second period and questionable officiating last night when the Boston University men’s hockey team fell to No. 10 Boston College, 4-3, in the Beanpot championship game.
Millan (28 saves) made glove save after kick save after pad save throughout the night, but two unlucky bounces and two defensive breakdowns led to four straight BC goals that gave the Eagles (16-8-2) what proved to be an insurmountable three-goal lead.
“I was real pleased with our team tonight,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “I was pleased with our goaltending. I was pleased with our overall team defense. I was pleased with our penalty kill. … I really thought that every one of my guys kept working hard.”
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
From the FreeP: Karma finally catches up to Parker and Terriers in Beanpot final
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Ever since Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker took over at BU 38 years ago, seemingly every Beanpot bounce up for grabs had gone the Terriers’ way –– at least if you ask those who have stood in the stands and watched BU Terriers roll to 21 Beanpots under Parker’s patrol.
Monday night at the TD Garden, the karma train finally arrived, and it decked Parker and BU in fiery fashion. And then it backed up and leveled them again, and again, and again.
Perhaps no players were struck harder than sophomore netminder Kieran Millan and freshman defenseman Sean Escobedo.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Ever since Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker took over at BU 38 years ago, seemingly every Beanpot bounce up for grabs had gone the Terriers’ way –– at least if you ask those who have stood in the stands and watched BU Terriers roll to 21 Beanpots under Parker’s patrol.
Monday night at the TD Garden, the karma train finally arrived, and it decked Parker and BU in fiery fashion. And then it backed up and leveled them again, and again, and again.
Perhaps no players were struck harder than sophomore netminder Kieran Millan and freshman defenseman Sean Escobedo.
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From the Stat Packet Feb. 8 vs. BC
Shots attempted: 66-63 BU
Shots on goal: 34-32 BU
Shots off pipes: 2-0 BU
Shots blocked by defense: 19-17 BU
Shots off target: 14-12 BC
Shots saved by goalie: 31-28 BU
Grade-A shots attempted: 20-19 BU
Shots on goal: 34-32 BU
Shots off pipes: 2-0 BU
Shots blocked by defense: 19-17 BU
Shots off target: 14-12 BC
Shots saved by goalie: 31-28 BU
Grade-A shots attempted: 20-19 BU
Monday, February 8, 2010
Beanpot Live Blog - Consolation and Championship
Final: BC 4, BU 3
Line chart for BU:
Zach Cohen - Corey Trivino - Alex Chiasson
Ross Gaudet - Nick Bonino - Joe Pereira
Chris Connolly - Wade Megan - Vinny Saponari
Justin Courtnall - Luke Popko - Ryan Santana
David Warsofsky - Eric Gryba
Sean Escobedo - Kevin Shattenkirk
Colby Cohen - Max Nicastro
Kieran Millan
Adam Kraus
Grant Rollheiser
Line chart for BC:
Joe Whitney - Brian Gibbons - Cam Atkinson
Barry Almeida - Matt Price - Matt Lombardi
Chris Kreider - Ben Smith - Jimmy Hayes
Paul Carey - Pat Mullane - Steven Whitney
Tommy Cross - Carl Sneep
Brian Dumoulin - Patch Alber
Philip Samuelsson - Edwin Shea
John Muse
Parker Milner
Chris Venti
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Bruins' losing streak reaches 10 games with 3-2 shootout loss to Canucks
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
The Bruins’ losing streak reached double digits Saturday afternoon when the struggling B’s lost 3-2 to the Vancouver Canucks in a shootout.
In the first two periods, all systems were go for the Bruins. They scored two power-play goals off the sticks of Zdeno Chara and Michael Ryder, and they limited the Canucks to just 12 shots on goal.
In the third, however, the Bruins wilted, allowing 18 shots on goal while surrendering the tying goal. By the end of overtime, Bruins fans knew what to expect: another shootout and a 10th straight loss.
The Bruins’ losing streak reached double digits Saturday afternoon when the struggling B’s lost 3-2 to the Vancouver Canucks in a shootout.
In the first two periods, all systems were go for the Bruins. They scored two power-play goals off the sticks of Zdeno Chara and Michael Ryder, and they limited the Canucks to just 12 shots on goal.
In the third, however, the Bruins wilted, allowing 18 shots on goal while surrendering the tying goal. By the end of overtime, Bruins fans knew what to expect: another shootout and a 10th straight loss.
David Warsofsky, Luke Popko and Eric Gryba Postgame Transcripts
Warsofsky
On his goal:
I think the kid had it on the halfwall, and I kind of pokechecked it. The puck was rolling when I was going down, so I was just hoping to get a shot on net. It kind of surprised the goalie a little bit, and luckily it found its way through.
On what he saw as he came in:
We talk about goalies before the game, but when you’re in that situation, you kind of just shoot where you see what’s open. I thought glove was open, and luckily it went in.
On the team’s defense in the third period:
We wanted to stay on the attack. Sometimes when we sit back on our heels, they get a goal, and then we have to get another one. But we wanted to stay on the attack, and I thought we did that well. I thought we got after them hard. I thought we forechecked hard.
On his goal:
I think the kid had it on the halfwall, and I kind of pokechecked it. The puck was rolling when I was going down, so I was just hoping to get a shot on net. It kind of surprised the goalie a little bit, and luckily it found its way through.
On what he saw as he came in:
We talk about goalies before the game, but when you’re in that situation, you kind of just shoot where you see what’s open. I thought glove was open, and luckily it went in.
On the team’s defense in the third period:
We wanted to stay on the attack. Sometimes when we sit back on our heels, they get a goal, and then we have to get another one. But we wanted to stay on the attack, and I thought we did that well. I thought we got after them hard. I thought we forechecked hard.
Jack Parker Postgame Transcript
Opening statement:
In general, I thought it was a great college hockey game, an exciting college hockey game to watch. I thought we were as thorough as we’ve been in a while on the defensive end. This is a real tough rink to play in. We usually give up a lot of shots here. They’re a terrific team. They can come at you pretty quickly and they can get the puck to the net real quick. The fact that we only gave up two shots in the third period is a testament to how focused we were and how competitive we were. Getting two shorthanded goals is unbelievable.
I thought the biggest goal of the game was Gaudet’s. We hadn’t won a game all year in which we had given up the first goal. They get a goal, and less than a minute later, we get a goal. When they got the goal, I said to a few guys on the bench, ‘Hey, we got a long time to win this game.’ We give up a goal 22 seconds in, but then we get one right off the bat to even it up.
We come out of the first up 3-1. We’re doing pretty good, and then I thought they played pretty well in the second period. They got some good opportunities. We took some penalties, and they did a good job on their power play. They got the one goal on the power play, and I thought it was a terrific play. They confused us in the coverage and made a great play. Kieran didn’t have a chance. And now it’s 3-2 going into the third, and it’s, ‘Wow, what’s gonna happen?’ To defend as well as we did, and to still get shots… We got 11 shots in the third. They only got two.
A couple things that were great for us… We get back to .500 overall. We wind up that much closer to .500 in the league. We’re one game down now. We wind up tied with UMass-Lowell. UMass-Amherst lost tonight, which is good for us. We’re coming. And other people know we’re coming. That’s good for us and, like they say in Bad News Bears, that’s bad news for the other club. I was really, really pleased with my team tonight –– their poise, their playmaking, their effort and their team defense. Warsofsky and Shattenkirk were great. Gryba was great. I thought the freshman defensemen played real well. Pretty nice effort.
In general, I thought it was a great college hockey game, an exciting college hockey game to watch. I thought we were as thorough as we’ve been in a while on the defensive end. This is a real tough rink to play in. We usually give up a lot of shots here. They’re a terrific team. They can come at you pretty quickly and they can get the puck to the net real quick. The fact that we only gave up two shots in the third period is a testament to how focused we were and how competitive we were. Getting two shorthanded goals is unbelievable.
I thought the biggest goal of the game was Gaudet’s. We hadn’t won a game all year in which we had given up the first goal. They get a goal, and less than a minute later, we get a goal. When they got the goal, I said to a few guys on the bench, ‘Hey, we got a long time to win this game.’ We give up a goal 22 seconds in, but then we get one right off the bat to even it up.
We come out of the first up 3-1. We’re doing pretty good, and then I thought they played pretty well in the second period. They got some good opportunities. We took some penalties, and they did a good job on their power play. They got the one goal on the power play, and I thought it was a terrific play. They confused us in the coverage and made a great play. Kieran didn’t have a chance. And now it’s 3-2 going into the third, and it’s, ‘Wow, what’s gonna happen?’ To defend as well as we did, and to still get shots… We got 11 shots in the third. They only got two.
A couple things that were great for us… We get back to .500 overall. We wind up that much closer to .500 in the league. We’re one game down now. We wind up tied with UMass-Lowell. UMass-Amherst lost tonight, which is good for us. We’re coming. And other people know we’re coming. That’s good for us and, like they say in Bad News Bears, that’s bad news for the other club. I was really, really pleased with my team tonight –– their poise, their playmaking, their effort and their team defense. Warsofsky and Shattenkirk were great. Gryba was great. I thought the freshman defensemen played real well. Pretty nice effort.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Grading the Terriers: 2/5 vs. UMass-Lowell
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Offense: B+
The Terriers created plenty of chances, but if it weren't for two goals on shorthanded breaks, they would've only had one goal to show for it. Still, BU controlled play for most of the night and swarmed the UML net seemingly at will. The Terriers registered 33 shots on net and an outstanding 26 grade-A chances, including 12 in the third period alone. Nick Bonino and Wade Megan both hit pipes in the final stanza as well. Bonino's line combined for 11 shots, including Ross Gaudet's eighth goal of the season.
Defense: A
The Terriers played arguably their best defensive game of the season. They held the River Hawks to 18 shots on net in the game, including just five in the first period and a remarkable two in the third. In the final 20 minutes, UML rarely had the puck in the BU end for any extended period of time, and BU did a great job of clearing away second chances. With Colby Cohen out, the other five regulars all stepped up. Parker said he thought Kevin Shattenkirk, Eric Gryba and David Warsofsky were all "great".
Terriers down River Hawks, 3-2
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Led by short-handed goals from senior Zach Cohen and sophomore David Warsofsky, the Boston University men’s hockey team topped the No. 18 University of Massachusetts-Lowell, 3-2, Friday night, at Tsongas Center.
The win was BU's (11-11-3, 8-9-2 Hockey East) third in a row, the first such win streak of the season. The River Hawks dropped to 14-11-2 (8-8-2) on the season.
Sophomore Ross Gaudet added BU’s other tally, while senior Ben Holmstrom and junior Scott Campbell netted UML's two goals.
Led by short-handed goals from senior Zach Cohen and sophomore David Warsofsky, the Boston University men’s hockey team topped the No. 18 University of Massachusetts-Lowell, 3-2, Friday night, at Tsongas Center.
The win was BU's (11-11-3, 8-9-2 Hockey East) third in a row, the first such win streak of the season. The River Hawks dropped to 14-11-2 (8-8-2) on the season.
Sophomore Ross Gaudet added BU’s other tally, while senior Ben Holmstrom and junior Scott Campbell netted UML's two goals.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Terriers head to Lowell in search of third straight win
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
For four months, the Boston University men’s hockey team has combated the dreaded post-championship hangover with near disastrous results.
The 4-2 start to 2010 was a step in the right direction for BU (10-11-3, 7-9-2 Hockey East), but until last week, there still was something not quite right about BU coach Jack Parker’s Terriers.
After two consecutive weeks of “fabulous” practices, and consecutive wins over the No. 15 Universtiy of Massachusetts-Amherst and Northeastern University, Parker and his squad think they’ve finally turned the corner.
For four months, the Boston University men’s hockey team has combated the dreaded post-championship hangover with near disastrous results.
The 4-2 start to 2010 was a step in the right direction for BU (10-11-3, 7-9-2 Hockey East), but until last week, there still was something not quite right about BU coach Jack Parker’s Terriers.
After two consecutive weeks of “fabulous” practices, and consecutive wins over the No. 15 Universtiy of Massachusetts-Amherst and Northeastern University, Parker and his squad think they’ve finally turned the corner.
From the FreeP: Hockey East Power Rankings
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
1) No. 14 Boston College (14-8-2, 10-6-2)
The Eagles are five points behind conference leader UNH, and they’re just 4-5-0 in the new year, but they’re still the most talented and most balanced team in the conference. BC’s offense is tied for first in the league with 3.67 goals per game, its defense is second with a 2.62 goals-against average and its special teams are second with a plus-13 net. Junior Joe Whitney, junior Brian Gibbons and sophomore Cam Atkinson have combined for 4.83 points per game in six games since being put together on the top line.
2) No. 13 University of New Hampshire (13-8-4, 12-3-3)
The Wildcats are five points clear of the Hockey East field, and they’re 5-1-0 in their last six. Most people would probably put them first, but UNH comes in behind BC here for two major reasons. The first is that the Wildcats’ 1-5-1 record in non-league games can’t be ignored. If they falter at all down the stretch, that could very well prevent them from making the NCAAs as an at-large bid. The second is their mediocre special teams play –– they’re tied for sixth with a plus-2 net. BC is better equipped for postseason success.
1) No. 14 Boston College (14-8-2, 10-6-2)
The Eagles are five points behind conference leader UNH, and they’re just 4-5-0 in the new year, but they’re still the most talented and most balanced team in the conference. BC’s offense is tied for first in the league with 3.67 goals per game, its defense is second with a 2.62 goals-against average and its special teams are second with a plus-13 net. Junior Joe Whitney, junior Brian Gibbons and sophomore Cam Atkinson have combined for 4.83 points per game in six games since being put together on the top line.
2) No. 13 University of New Hampshire (13-8-4, 12-3-3)
The Wildcats are five points clear of the Hockey East field, and they’re 5-1-0 in their last six. Most people would probably put them first, but UNH comes in behind BC here for two major reasons. The first is that the Wildcats’ 1-5-1 record in non-league games can’t be ignored. If they falter at all down the stretch, that could very well prevent them from making the NCAAs as an at-large bid. The second is their mediocre special teams play –– they’re tied for sixth with a plus-2 net. BC is better equipped for postseason success.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
From the FreeP: Chiasson nets game-winner in BU's 2-1 win over Northeastern
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
The Beanpot Tournament always produces heroes, and they are not always who you would expect. Last night, that hero was freshman forward Alex Chiasson.
The St. Augustin, Quebec native scored what proved to be the game-winning goal with 5:47 remaining in the Boston University men’s hockey team’s 2-1 win over Northeastern University in the opening round of the 2010 Beanpot.
“Even if he didn’t score tonight, I thought he had a heck of a game tonight,” BU coach Jack Parker said of Chiasson. “He had the puck a lot, and he was controlling the puck along the wall, and he was making some good passes, he was getting the puck out of the zone, and he made a couple great backchecks.
“But then to get the winning goal is obviously a feather in his cap. It’s something he’ll remember, and it’s something I’ll remember.”
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
The Beanpot Tournament always produces heroes, and they are not always who you would expect. Last night, that hero was freshman forward Alex Chiasson.
The St. Augustin, Quebec native scored what proved to be the game-winning goal with 5:47 remaining in the Boston University men’s hockey team’s 2-1 win over Northeastern University in the opening round of the 2010 Beanpot.
“Even if he didn’t score tonight, I thought he had a heck of a game tonight,” BU coach Jack Parker said of Chiasson. “He had the puck a lot, and he was controlling the puck along the wall, and he was making some good passes, he was getting the puck out of the zone, and he made a couple great backchecks.
“But then to get the winning goal is obviously a feather in his cap. It’s something he’ll remember, and it’s something I’ll remember.”
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
From the FreeP: Colby embraces the new year
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
December has to feel like a long time ago to the Boston University men’s hockey team. Six wins in eight games has given the team plenty to feel optimistic about.
Perhaps nobody has embraced the New Year more than junior defenseman Colby Cohen.
Cohen has picked up five goals just over a month into 2010, starting with a two-goal night against the University of Massachusetts-Amherst on Jan. 2, and most recently capped off with the first goal of BU’s 2-1 win over Northeastern University Monday night.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
December has to feel like a long time ago to the Boston University men’s hockey team. Six wins in eight games has given the team plenty to feel optimistic about.
Perhaps nobody has embraced the New Year more than junior defenseman Colby Cohen.
Cohen has picked up five goals just over a month into 2010, starting with a two-goal night against the University of Massachusetts-Amherst on Jan. 2, and most recently capped off with the first goal of BU’s 2-1 win over Northeastern University Monday night.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Monday, February 1, 2010
Beanpot Live Blog - First Round
Boston College vs. Harvard, 5 p.m.
Boston University vs. Northeastern, 8 p.m.
From the FreeP: BU brings big-game experience into Beanpot opener
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
The Boston University men’s hockey team owns the Beanpot Tournament.
Well, not literally, of course. But figuratively, yes. Just look at the stats.
The Terriers have won 29 of the 57 Beanpots, including last year’s. They’ve won 12 of the last 15 titles and 15 of the last 20. They’ve reached the title game in 26 of the last 28 years and 41 of the last 46. They haven’t finished last in 30 years. They’re 25-3 in the tournament since it moved to the TD Garden in 1995, and haven’t lost to anyone other than Boston College during that span.
“We’ve always had the key ingredients to win a short tournament,” BU coach Jack Parker said at Wednesday’s Beanpot Luncheon. “For the most part, we’ve always had real good goaltending and we’ve always been a pretty good defensive team. You can kind of bank on those two things in a short tournament. And we’ve been very, very lucky sometimes.
“The fact that we’ve won 29 is quite a statistic, but we’ve gotten to the final an awful lot, too. Sometimes, we were really not expected to win, but we did.”
All that bodes well for tonight, when BU (9-11-3) takes on Northeastern University (11-11-1) at 8 p.m. in the first round of this year’s tournament. The Terriers defeated the Huskies 5-2 in last year’s title game, but are 0-1 against them this season, suffering a 1-0 loss at Matthews Arena on Nov. 6.
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Well, not literally, of course. But figuratively, yes. Just look at the stats.
The Terriers have won 29 of the 57 Beanpots, including last year’s. They’ve won 12 of the last 15 titles and 15 of the last 20. They’ve reached the title game in 26 of the last 28 years and 41 of the last 46. They haven’t finished last in 30 years. They’re 25-3 in the tournament since it moved to the TD Garden in 1995, and haven’t lost to anyone other than Boston College during that span.
“We’ve always had the key ingredients to win a short tournament,” BU coach Jack Parker said at Wednesday’s Beanpot Luncheon. “For the most part, we’ve always had real good goaltending and we’ve always been a pretty good defensive team. You can kind of bank on those two things in a short tournament. And we’ve been very, very lucky sometimes.
“The fact that we’ve won 29 is quite a statistic, but we’ve gotten to the final an awful lot, too. Sometimes, we were really not expected to win, but we did.”
All that bodes well for tonight, when BU (9-11-3) takes on Northeastern University (11-11-1) at 8 p.m. in the first round of this year’s tournament. The Terriers defeated the Huskies 5-2 in last year’s title game, but are 0-1 against them this season, suffering a 1-0 loss at Matthews Arena on Nov. 6.
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From the FreeP: Oh my Gaud: Ross Gaudet's two goals lead BU to 6-2 win
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Led by two goals from sophomore Ross Gaudet, the Boston University men’s hockey team rolled to a 6-2 win over the No. 14/15 University of Massachusetts-Amherst Friday night at Agganis Arena.
The multi-goal effort was the first of Gaudet’s career. The Burlington native now has seven goals on the season –– the first seven of his career after missing all of last season due to injury.
“I came into the year just wanting to get into the lineup, and then hoping to work my way in,” Gaudet said. “The fourth-line player is a grinder, and that’s how I started out. Things have been working out for me. I’ve been fortunate enough to get a few goals here and there.”
BU (9-11-3, 7-9-2 Hockey East) junior Nick Bonino added three assists for the Terriers, giving him 100 points for his career. Junior Colby Cohen added a goal and an assist for BU, while sophomore goalie Kieran Millan made 39 saves against the Minutemen (16-10-0, 11-8-0).
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The multi-goal effort was the first of Gaudet’s career. The Burlington native now has seven goals on the season –– the first seven of his career after missing all of last season due to injury.
“I came into the year just wanting to get into the lineup, and then hoping to work my way in,” Gaudet said. “The fourth-line player is a grinder, and that’s how I started out. Things have been working out for me. I’ve been fortunate enough to get a few goals here and there.”
BU (9-11-3, 7-9-2 Hockey East) junior Nick Bonino added three assists for the Terriers, giving him 100 points for his career. Junior Colby Cohen added a goal and an assist for BU, while sophomore goalie Kieran Millan made 39 saves against the Minutemen (16-10-0, 11-8-0).
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
From the FreeP: Terriers look anew after team meetings
By Cary Betagole/DFP Staff
Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker’s post-game words haven’t had a particularly uplifting slant to them this year. More often than not, his press conferences have served as a public forum for the castigation of his team’s effort and ability to prepare itself.
Maybe that’s why there was an air of anticipation amongst the huddle of reporters inside the Agganis Arena press room after Friday night’s 6-2 win over the University of Massachusetts-Amherst—there was a sense that the night’s events would change the 37-year coach’s tune.
“You can almost feel attitude,” he said. “Attitude is everything, we tell our team, and it sure was great this week."
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
Maybe that’s why there was an air of anticipation amongst the huddle of reporters inside the Agganis Arena press room after Friday night’s 6-2 win over the University of Massachusetts-Amherst—there was a sense that the night’s events would change the 37-year coach’s tune.
“You can almost feel attitude,” he said. “Attitude is everything, we tell our team, and it sure was great this week."
Read more at www.dailyfreepress.com
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