Final: Brown 6, BU 1
Notre Dame vs. Minnesota State, 7 p.m. ET
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
BU prepares to open second half in Shillelagh Tournament
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
While the players were away during the holiday break, Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker and his staff watched video of the first semester and discussed which areas they wanted to focus on the most when the team returned. They decided on three- defensive zone coverage, the penalty kill and the power play.
In the No. 10/11 Terriers’ first practice of the second half (which was delayed from Sunday night to Tuesday afternoon because of the blizzard that hit the Northeast), they worked on D-zone coverage and nothing else. On Wednesday, they devoted one session to the penalty kill and one to the power play.
That’s a far cry from a normal practice, which usually focuses on one area for 10-20 minutes before moving on to something else, but Parker said it was important to spend that much time on those areas before working on anything else.
While the players were away during the holiday break, Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker and his staff watched video of the first semester and discussed which areas they wanted to focus on the most when the team returned. They decided on three- defensive zone coverage, the penalty kill and the power play.
In the No. 10/11 Terriers’ first practice of the second half (which was delayed from Sunday night to Tuesday afternoon because of the blizzard that hit the Northeast), they worked on D-zone coverage and nothing else. On Wednesday, they devoted one session to the penalty kill and one to the power play.
That’s a far cry from a normal practice, which usually focuses on one area for 10-20 minutes before moving on to something else, but Parker said it was important to spend that much time on those areas before working on anything else.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Friends of Hockey holiday letter predicts Jan. 1 return for Connolly
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
The Friends of Boston University Hockey holiday letter has arrived, and with it comes good tidings for junior captain Chris Connolly's return from a broken finger.
"We lost our co-captain Chris Connolly to a freak injury," Parker said in the letter. "He missed the last four games but will be ready when we travel to the Chicago tourney."
The Terriers will travel to Chicago for the Shillelagh Tournament starting New Years Day.
The Friends of Boston University Hockey holiday letter has arrived, and with it comes good tidings for junior captain Chris Connolly's return from a broken finger.
"We lost our co-captain Chris Connolly to a freak injury," Parker said in the letter. "He missed the last four games but will be ready when we travel to the Chicago tourney."
The Terriers will travel to Chicago for the Shillelagh Tournament starting New Years Day.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Keith Allain Conference Call Transcripts
I just got off the conference call with junior team coach Keith Allain. We weren't allowed to ask questions about any of the players who were cut, so unfortunately I have nothing on Adam Clendening or Matt Nieto. Hopefully I'll be able to get an update on Clendening's injury before we head out to Illinois for the Shillelagh Tournament. Allain did comment on BU's Charlie Coyle and BC's Brian Dumoulin and Patrick Wey, though. Click on the jump to see those transcripts.
Coyle named to World Junior team, Clendening and Nieto left off
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Boston University freshman forward Charlie Coyle has been named to the US squad that will compete in the World Junior Championship in Buffalo from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5. Freshman defenseman Adam Clendening and freshman forward Matt Nieto were two of the seven players who were invited to camp but left off the final roster.
Clendening was reportedly injured in last night's exhibition shootout loss to the Czech Republic when he went down to block a shot. It's unclear how severe the injury is, but that likely factored into coach Keith Allain's decision to leave him off the team. He was a plus-2 in the team's first exhibition game against Rensselaer, also a shootout loss.
Nieto was believed to be a bubble player heading into camp. He was held scoreless against RPI and did not dress last night.
Coyle was expected to make the team from the get-go. He did not dress against RPI (neither did seven other players who ultimately made the squad) and registered an assist and two penalties against the Czech Republic.
To see the entire roster, click here. There's a media conference call with Allain at 2 p.m. today, so I should have more info on the decisions to cut Clendening and Nieto after that.
Boston University freshman forward Charlie Coyle has been named to the US squad that will compete in the World Junior Championship in Buffalo from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5. Freshman defenseman Adam Clendening and freshman forward Matt Nieto were two of the seven players who were invited to camp but left off the final roster.
Clendening was reportedly injured in last night's exhibition shootout loss to the Czech Republic when he went down to block a shot. It's unclear how severe the injury is, but that likely factored into coach Keith Allain's decision to leave him off the team. He was a plus-2 in the team's first exhibition game against Rensselaer, also a shootout loss.
Nieto was believed to be a bubble player heading into camp. He was held scoreless against RPI and did not dress last night.
Coyle was expected to make the team from the get-go. He did not dress against RPI (neither did seven other players who ultimately made the squad) and registered an assist and two penalties against the Czech Republic.
To see the entire roster, click here. There's a media conference call with Allain at 2 p.m. today, so I should have more info on the decisions to cut Clendening and Nieto after that.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Hockey East Midseason Power Rankings
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
1) No. 4/5 Boston College (11-5-0, 9-4-0 HE)
The Eagles might not have the best record in Hockey East, but the defending national champions are still the team to beat. They have the best offense (3.75 goals per game), best defense (2.12 goals-against average) and best special teams (+12 net) in the league. BC finished the first semester on a 5-1-0 run, with all five wins coming by three goals or more. Included in there were weekend sweeps of Maine by a combined score of 8-1 and BU by a combined score of 14-7. Junior forward Cam Atkinson leads the conference in goals (14), while senior goalie John Muse is tops in both GAA (1.87) and save percentage (.939).
2) No. 2 University of New Hampshire (10-2-4, 8-1-2 HE)
The Wildcats, who own the league’s best record, finished the first half with four straight wins, including a semester-ending 4-3 overtime triumph at Maine. Their defense has been remarkable in conference play, as it ranks first with a 1.64 GAA against Hockey East opponents. Anchoring that unit is junior goalie Matt DiGirolamo, who has emerged as one of the most reliable netminders in the league. The offense hasn’t been too shabby either, as UNH is tied for second with 3.56 GPG. Senior forwards Paul Thompson and Mike Sislo rank first and second in the conference with 25 and 24 points, respectively.
1) No. 4/5 Boston College (11-5-0, 9-4-0 HE)
The Eagles might not have the best record in Hockey East, but the defending national champions are still the team to beat. They have the best offense (3.75 goals per game), best defense (2.12 goals-against average) and best special teams (+12 net) in the league. BC finished the first semester on a 5-1-0 run, with all five wins coming by three goals or more. Included in there were weekend sweeps of Maine by a combined score of 8-1 and BU by a combined score of 14-7. Junior forward Cam Atkinson leads the conference in goals (14), while senior goalie John Muse is tops in both GAA (1.87) and save percentage (.939).
2) No. 2 University of New Hampshire (10-2-4, 8-1-2 HE)
The Wildcats, who own the league’s best record, finished the first half with four straight wins, including a semester-ending 4-3 overtime triumph at Maine. Their defense has been remarkable in conference play, as it ranks first with a 1.64 GAA against Hockey East opponents. Anchoring that unit is junior goalie Matt DiGirolamo, who has emerged as one of the most reliable netminders in the league. The offense hasn’t been too shabby either, as UNH is tied for second with 3.56 GPG. Senior forwards Paul Thompson and Mike Sislo rank first and second in the conference with 25 and 24 points, respectively.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Vinny Saponari denied by BC admissions
By Scott McLaughlin and Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Former Boston University forward Vinny Saponari has had his transfer application denied by Boston College admissions, according to U.S. Hockey Report. On Oct. 7, The Daily Free Press broke the news that Saponari had decided to play for the Eagles next season.
Saponari and his brother Victor were dismissed from the Terriers in May. BU coach Jack Parker cited "cumulative instances" of displaying "conduct unbecoming of a Boston University hockey player" in the school's press release announcing the dismissals. The Daily Free Press reported that Vinny Saponari was involved in a team drinking incident on March 17 and then showed up late for a team bike ride that served as punishment.
Former Boston University forward Vinny Saponari has had his transfer application denied by Boston College admissions, according to U.S. Hockey Report. On Oct. 7, The Daily Free Press broke the news that Saponari had decided to play for the Eagles next season.
Saponari and his brother Victor were dismissed from the Terriers in May. BU coach Jack Parker cited "cumulative instances" of displaying "conduct unbecoming of a Boston University hockey player" in the school's press release announcing the dismissals. The Daily Free Press reported that Vinny Saponari was involved in a team drinking incident on March 17 and then showed up late for a team bike ride that served as punishment.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Joe Pereira's post-game transcript: 12/11 at RPI
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
On what happened at the end of the game
I think it was just a lot of frustrations on both parts. The game got away from the referees and the game got away from us a little bit. It’s over now so you can’t really do anything about it.
On whether he looks for the team to respond like that
No I think it was just a lot leading up to that, a lot of frustrating game. During the whole game, there were some tough calls both ways and I think some guys lost their cool a little bit.
On what happened at the end of the game
I think it was just a lot of frustrations on both parts. The game got away from the referees and the game got away from us a little bit. It’s over now so you can’t really do anything about it.
On whether he looks for the team to respond like that
No I think it was just a lot leading up to that, a lot of frustrating game. During the whole game, there were some tough calls both ways and I think some guys lost their cool a little bit.
Coach Parker's post-game transcript: 12/11 at RPI
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
General thoughts on the game
I thought we played really well in a whole bunch of areas. I was happy with the way we competed. It’s hard to play when you get jobbed like we did tonight, and we got jobbed tonight. But other than that, I like how hard we played. I liked how competitive we were in every phase of the game. But it was not an even match.
General thoughts on the game
I thought we played really well in a whole bunch of areas. I was happy with the way we competed. It’s hard to play when you get jobbed like we did tonight, and we got jobbed tonight. But other than that, I like how hard we played. I liked how competitive we were in every phase of the game. But it was not an even match.
Terriers troubled by special teams
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
TROY, NY – Boston University was not pleased with how chippy its game against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute became on Saturday afternoon, yet when a team plays on special teams the way BU did on Saturday, it would be foolish for an opponent not to play rough hockey. After all, BU again failed to make its opponent pay for their penalties.
The Terriers were ineffective on the penalty kill and even less effective on the power play. BU went 0-for-5 on the man-advantage, gave up a shorthanded goal, and allowed RPI to score three power-play goals. Those numbers continued an alarming trend for the Terriers, who have now allowed three shorthanded goals in their last four games and allowed eight power-play goals for their opponents in the last five games.
TROY, NY – Boston University was not pleased with how chippy its game against Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute became on Saturday afternoon, yet when a team plays on special teams the way BU did on Saturday, it would be foolish for an opponent not to play rough hockey. After all, BU again failed to make its opponent pay for their penalties.
The Terriers were ineffective on the penalty kill and even less effective on the power play. BU went 0-for-5 on the man-advantage, gave up a shorthanded goal, and allowed RPI to score three power-play goals. Those numbers continued an alarming trend for the Terriers, who have now allowed three shorthanded goals in their last four games and allowed eight power-play goals for their opponents in the last five games.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
BU falls at No. 15 RPI 4-1 in game defined by penalties
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
Jack Parker never talks about the referees. Bring the men in the zebra stripes up during a press conference, and the Boston University men’s hockey coach politely declines.
But following his No. 7 BU team’s 4-1 loss to No. 15 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Houston Fieldhouse in which the game ended with three ejections – all Terriers – and a bench minor on Parker for arguing, the 38-year coach finally felt the need to say a thing or two about the referees.
“It’s hard to play when you get jobbed like we did tonight, and we got jobbed tonight,” Parker said. “But other than that, I like how we played. But it was not an even match.”
Jack Parker never talks about the referees. Bring the men in the zebra stripes up during a press conference, and the Boston University men’s hockey coach politely declines.
But following his No. 7 BU team’s 4-1 loss to No. 15 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Houston Fieldhouse in which the game ended with three ejections – all Terriers – and a bench minor on Parker for arguing, the 38-year coach finally felt the need to say a thing or two about the referees.
“It’s hard to play when you get jobbed like we did tonight, and we got jobbed tonight,” Parker said. “But other than that, I like how we played. But it was not an even match.”
Flyers beat Bruins 2-1 on last-second OT goal
By Josh Mellits/DFP Staff
The last time the Philadelphia Flyers were in town, the Boston Bruins gave up a 3-0 lead and were eliminated from the postseason. And on Saturday night, the Bruins suffered another heartbreaking loss at the hands of the Flyers, losing in overtime, 2-1.
Captain Michael Richards gave the Flyers (19-7-5) a win with only three seconds left in the extra session. The Bruins (16-8-4) had entered the game six points behind Philadelphia and lost an opportunity to make up ground in the conference standings.
“I think we had an opportunity here tonight to get that extra point,” said Bruins coach Claude Julien. “It was there for us for the taking, and it was unfortunate for us that it ended the way it did.”
The last time the Philadelphia Flyers were in town, the Boston Bruins gave up a 3-0 lead and were eliminated from the postseason. And on Saturday night, the Bruins suffered another heartbreaking loss at the hands of the Flyers, losing in overtime, 2-1.
Captain Michael Richards gave the Flyers (19-7-5) a win with only three seconds left in the extra session. The Bruins (16-8-4) had entered the game six points behind Philadelphia and lost an opportunity to make up ground in the conference standings.
“I think we had an opportunity here tonight to get that extra point,” said Bruins coach Claude Julien. “It was there for us for the taking, and it was unfortunate for us that it ended the way it did.”
Friday, December 10, 2010
BU visits RPI looking to end semester on high note
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
One year ago, the Boston University men’s hockey team suffered a 5-3 home loss to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute that closed the book on a miserable 4-9-3 first semester. This year, the No. 7 Terriers enter Saturday’s semester-ending contest at No. 15 RPI (3:30 p.m., NHL Network) with a much-improved 8-3-5 record and a chance to go into winter break on a high note with a win in an important non-conference game.
“We’ve had a real good semester in our league,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “We’re very, very happy with the won-loss record and the way we’ve played for most of our games, the way we’ve competed for most of our games. For a young team, this is a pretty good first semester for us in the league.
“It would be a great first semester for us outside the league if we get this game because we’d be 3-0-1 outside the league right now, and that puts us in pretty good shape. These games are really important in comparing teams from league to league.”
One year ago, the Boston University men’s hockey team suffered a 5-3 home loss to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute that closed the book on a miserable 4-9-3 first semester. This year, the No. 7 Terriers enter Saturday’s semester-ending contest at No. 15 RPI (3:30 p.m., NHL Network) with a much-improved 8-3-5 record and a chance to go into winter break on a high note with a win in an important non-conference game.
“We’ve had a real good semester in our league,” said BU coach Jack Parker. “We’re very, very happy with the won-loss record and the way we’ve played for most of our games, the way we’ve competed for most of our games. For a young team, this is a pretty good first semester for us in the league.
“It would be a great first semester for us outside the league if we get this game because we’d be 3-0-1 outside the league right now, and that puts us in pretty good shape. These games are really important in comparing teams from league to league.”
Thursday, December 9, 2010
BU adds skilled forward Rodrigues for next season
By Scott McLaughlin
Evan Rodrigues, a "high-skill" forward playing for the Georgetown Raiders of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, has committed to the Terriers for next fall, according to U.S. Hockey Report.
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound right wing from Etobicoke, Ontario, is currently tied for fifth on the Raiders in scoring with 33 points (12g, 21a) despite playing in just 20 of their 32 games. Last month, Rodrigues was named to the World Junior A Challenge all-star team after tying for the tournament lead with seven points (3g, 4a) in five games for Canada East, which lost to the United States in the gold medal game.
The 17-year-old Rodrigues (he'll turn 18 over the summer) "has really good hands, a high skill level, is excellent on the power play, and has a lot of offensive upside - just very good natural offensive instincts," according to USHR. The article goes on to compare him to current Terrier Sahir Gill because he's a good skater but "not a waterbug type" and because "he's not necessarily the type that NHL guys get excited over, but projects to be a fine college player."
The site reports that Rodrigues chose BU over Michigan and Notre Dame. He becomes the fourth member of the Terriers' 2011 freshman class, joining forward Cason Hohmann, defenseman Alexx Privitera and goalie Matthew O'Connor.
Evan Rodrigues, a "high-skill" forward playing for the Georgetown Raiders of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, has committed to the Terriers for next fall, according to U.S. Hockey Report.
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound right wing from Etobicoke, Ontario, is currently tied for fifth on the Raiders in scoring with 33 points (12g, 21a) despite playing in just 20 of their 32 games. Last month, Rodrigues was named to the World Junior A Challenge all-star team after tying for the tournament lead with seven points (3g, 4a) in five games for Canada East, which lost to the United States in the gold medal game.
The 17-year-old Rodrigues (he'll turn 18 over the summer) "has really good hands, a high skill level, is excellent on the power play, and has a lot of offensive upside - just very good natural offensive instincts," according to USHR. The article goes on to compare him to current Terrier Sahir Gill because he's a good skater but "not a waterbug type" and because "he's not necessarily the type that NHL guys get excited over, but projects to be a fine college player."
The site reports that Rodrigues chose BU over Michigan and Notre Dame. He becomes the fourth member of the Terriers' 2011 freshman class, joining forward Cason Hohmann, defenseman Alexx Privitera and goalie Matthew O'Connor.
Thursday's FreeP coverage of BU's 5-4 win over Northeastern
Jake Seiner recaps the team's win, including its slow starts to both the first and third periods as well as its four-goal streak and triumphant power-play goal in the third.
Scott McLaughlin writes a sidebar on sophomore forward Ryan Santana's first goal and how BU coach Jack Parker predicted it following an usual game of shadow ball during Monday's practice.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Terriers top Huskies, 5-4 on Chiasson's winner
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
Sophomore Alex Chiasson netted the game-winner with 3:27 to play, and the No. 7 Boston University men’s hockey team escaped with a 5-4 win over Northeastern University at Agganis Arena Wednesday night.
Chiasson rifled home the power-play goal from below the right faceoff circle, one-timing a pass from freshman Charlie Coyle.
Chiasson added two assists in the game for a three-point night, which was matched by Coyle’s goal and two helpers.
Sophomore Alex Chiasson netted the game-winner with 3:27 to play, and the No. 7 Boston University men’s hockey team escaped with a 5-4 win over Northeastern University at Agganis Arena Wednesday night.
Chiasson rifled home the power-play goal from below the right faceoff circle, one-timing a pass from freshman Charlie Coyle.
Chiasson added two assists in the game for a three-point night, which was matched by Coyle’s goal and two helpers.
From the FreeP: NU game, NU rivalry
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
Following Tuesday’s practice at Agganis Arena, a Daily Free Press writer went up to No. 7 Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker and asked the bench boss a question about how he thought the Terriers are moving on from their home-and-home series against rival No. 3 Boston College just four days earlier.
“What? The debacle?” Parker retorted.
That is precisely what BU will be looking to avoid a repeat of when it takes on Northeastern University at Agganis Wednesday night. The two teams are set to face off at 7 p.m.
For more, click over to dailyfreepress.com.
Following Tuesday’s practice at Agganis Arena, a Daily Free Press writer went up to No. 7 Boston University men’s hockey coach Jack Parker and asked the bench boss a question about how he thought the Terriers are moving on from their home-and-home series against rival No. 3 Boston College just four days earlier.
“What? The debacle?” Parker retorted.
That is precisely what BU will be looking to avoid a repeat of when it takes on Northeastern University at Agganis Wednesday night. The two teams are set to face off at 7 p.m.
For more, click over to dailyfreepress.com.
Recchi tips B's to 3-2 OT victory over Sabres
By René Reyes/DFP Staff
Everybody on the TD Garden ice knew that the Boston Bruins had scored the game-winning goal in overtime to beat the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday night in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference quarterfinals.
Everybody except for the B’s own goaltender.
“Not me,” said Tim Thomas (28 saves). “Not me, although I was out to the blue line and I was kind of celebrating because the fans were cheering. … By the time we finally got a whistle, I had forgotten about that goal. I didn’t get to see if the puck went in on the replay, but the crowd was happy so I just started celebrating hoping that the crowd was right.”
Everybody on the TD Garden ice knew that the Boston Bruins had scored the game-winning goal in overtime to beat the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday night in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference quarterfinals.
Everybody except for the B’s own goaltender.
“Not me,” said Tim Thomas (28 saves). “Not me, although I was out to the blue line and I was kind of celebrating because the fans were cheering. … By the time we finally got a whistle, I had forgotten about that goal. I didn’t get to see if the puck went in on the replay, but the crowd was happy so I just started celebrating hoping that the crowd was right.”
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Trio of BU freshmen named to World Juniors preliminary roster
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
Boston University freshman defenseman Adam Clendening and freshman forwards Charlie Coyle and Matt Nieto have all been named to the United States' preliminary roster for this year's World Junior Championship in Buffalo, where the US will aim to defend its gold medal from a year ago.
A total of 29 players were named to the preliminary roster, meaning seven more will need to be cut before the tournament opener against Finland on Dec. 26. Coach Keith Allain, who has led Yale to the top of the national polls this season, will have camp and three exhibition games before then to evaluate his players.
Boston University freshman defenseman Adam Clendening and freshman forwards Charlie Coyle and Matt Nieto have all been named to the United States' preliminary roster for this year's World Junior Championship in Buffalo, where the US will aim to defend its gold medal from a year ago.
A total of 29 players were named to the preliminary roster, meaning seven more will need to be cut before the tournament opener against Finland on Dec. 26. Coach Keith Allain, who has led Yale to the top of the national polls this season, will have camp and three exhibition games before then to evaluate his players.
From the FreeP: Terriers fall to No. 7 after BC weekend sweep
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
The Boston University men’s hockey team dropped to its lowest spot in the national rankings since Oct. 23 on Monday when it fell to seventh in both the USCHO.com and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine polls.
The Terriers (7-3-5, 5-3-4 Hockey East) suffered their first series sweep of the 2010-11 season when they dropped two contests in a row to Boston College – 9-5 on Friday and 5-2 a day later – over the weekend. They are now a paltry 1-3-4 in their last eight games.
For more on how the rankings shook out, click over to dailyfreepress.com.
The Boston University men’s hockey team dropped to its lowest spot in the national rankings since Oct. 23 on Monday when it fell to seventh in both the USCHO.com and USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine polls.
The Terriers (7-3-5, 5-3-4 Hockey East) suffered their first series sweep of the 2010-11 season when they dropped two contests in a row to Boston College – 9-5 on Friday and 5-2 a day later – over the weekend. They are now a paltry 1-3-4 in their last eight games.
For more on how the rankings shook out, click over to dailyfreepress.com.
Monday, December 6, 2010
From the FreeP: Miscue upon miscue in all areas leads to crushing weekend sweep against BC
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
CHESTNUT HILL — For a fleeting moment, it felt like the Boston University men’s hockey team had a chance in the second game of what could only be described as a stinker of a weekend. Senior captain Joe Pereira had just scored 5:26 into the second period to end a streak of three Boston College goals and close the lead to 3-2. There was plenty of time for the Terriers to close the lead and potentially take a point out of a weekend that began with a horrid showing in a 9-5 loss to the team’s hated rivals.
But just like that, all hope was lost, and two egregious errors were the culprit.
An offensive collision between freshman defenseman Max Nicastro and junior defenseman David Warsofsky and a separate turnover by freshman defenseman Garrett Noonan – both occurring in the BU offensive zone – led to the two breakaway goals that sealed the Terriers’ fate and put an end to a weekend in which the Eagles doubled up their canine counterparts 14-7.
For more, click over to the new dailyfreepress.com.
CHESTNUT HILL — For a fleeting moment, it felt like the Boston University men’s hockey team had a chance in the second game of what could only be described as a stinker of a weekend. Senior captain Joe Pereira had just scored 5:26 into the second period to end a streak of three Boston College goals and close the lead to 3-2. There was plenty of time for the Terriers to close the lead and potentially take a point out of a weekend that began with a horrid showing in a 9-5 loss to the team’s hated rivals.
But just like that, all hope was lost, and two egregious errors were the culprit.
An offensive collision between freshman defenseman Max Nicastro and junior defenseman David Warsofsky and a separate turnover by freshman defenseman Garrett Noonan – both occurring in the BU offensive zone – led to the two breakaway goals that sealed the Terriers’ fate and put an end to a weekend in which the Eagles doubled up their canine counterparts 14-7.
For more, click over to the new dailyfreepress.com.
From the FreeP: Beaten Completely
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
CHESTNUT HILL — The Conte Forum fans’ chants of “overrated” never seemed truer.
No. 8 Boston College dominated No. 2/3 Boston University all weekend, following a 9-5 beating on Friday night with a 5-2 victory in Saturday’s finale.
The Terriers (7-3-5, 5-3-4 Hockey East), who were outscored 14-7 on the weekend, have not been swept by the Eagles in so lopsided a fashion since 1987.
For more, click over to the new dailyfreepress.com.
CHESTNUT HILL — The Conte Forum fans’ chants of “overrated” never seemed truer.
No. 8 Boston College dominated No. 2/3 Boston University all weekend, following a 9-5 beating on Friday night with a 5-2 victory in Saturday’s finale.
The Terriers (7-3-5, 5-3-4 Hockey East), who were outscored 14-7 on the weekend, have not been swept by the Eagles in so lopsided a fashion since 1987.
For more, click over to the new dailyfreepress.com.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Joe Pereira post-game transcript 12/4/10
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
On how the team rebounds from this weekend
I think we just got to start practicing again, work harder. We started out great, undefeated for a while. Quick start. Every team goes through it. They went through it a few weeks ago, you know, adversity. Now we got to come back together, start working harder, getting back to the basics and hopefully put a good last two games together and finish strong. Go on break, regroup and come back stronger.
On how the team rebounds from this weekend
I think we just got to start practicing again, work harder. We started out great, undefeated for a while. Quick start. Every team goes through it. They went through it a few weeks ago, you know, adversity. Now we got to come back together, start working harder, getting back to the basics and hopefully put a good last two games together and finish strong. Go on break, regroup and come back stronger.
Grading the Terriers: 12/4 at BC
By Sam Dykstra and Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
Offense: C
It’s tough to say that Saturday’s performance – in which the Terriers netted two goals after they scored five Friday – was any better, but for the most part, BU indeed looked stronger offensively over the course of the entire game than it did in the series opener. The Terriers got the scoring started, in fact, when freshman forward Matt Nieto potted a loose puck only 3:52 in the game. (It took BU 28 minutes to score its first Friday.) But the road squad never got anything more going throughout. A scrappy goal by senior captain Joe Pereira, who Parker acknowledged had “one hell of a night,” in the second was the only other tally by anyone in scarlet. The Terriers attempted 31 shots on the night – an improvement on the 23 they put on net the night earlier – but they never were able to capitalize on even the best of chances including six from the Grade-A area in the third period. Two goals isn’t horrible, but BU could have and should have had a lot more.
Offense: C
It’s tough to say that Saturday’s performance – in which the Terriers netted two goals after they scored five Friday – was any better, but for the most part, BU indeed looked stronger offensively over the course of the entire game than it did in the series opener. The Terriers got the scoring started, in fact, when freshman forward Matt Nieto potted a loose puck only 3:52 in the game. (It took BU 28 minutes to score its first Friday.) But the road squad never got anything more going throughout. A scrappy goal by senior captain Joe Pereira, who Parker acknowledged had “one hell of a night,” in the second was the only other tally by anyone in scarlet. The Terriers attempted 31 shots on the night – an improvement on the 23 they put on net the night earlier – but they never were able to capitalize on even the best of chances including six from the Grade-A area in the third period. Two goals isn’t horrible, but BU could have and should have had a lot more.
Eagles dominate Terriers 5-2 for a weekend sweep
By Arielle Aronson/DFP Staff
CHESTNUT HILL -- The lights are out and the curtain has fallen.
This past weekend was supposed to be a showdown. It was supposed to be a battle for first place in Hockey East between the No. 2/3 Boston University Terriers and the No. 8 Boston College Eagles.
Instead, it was sideshow entertainment. BC dominated BU on Friday night 9-5, and it followed that beating with a 5-2 conquest in Saturday’s finale. The BC fans' chants of “overrated” never seemed more true.
The Terriers took the early lead on Saturday, scoring at 3:52 in the first period on a Matt Nieto goal. But the Eagles took over from there, tying the game at 11:52 in the first before scoring two goals in 1:16 in the second period to take the game over.
Senior captain Joe Pereira scored at 5:26 in the second to tighten the score to 3-2, but the Eagles negated his tally with a shorthanded score at 8:05 in the second. The Eagles shut the door to a comeback in the third period, when BC’s Steve Whitney scored on a breakaway.
More to follow in Monday’s edition of the Daily Free Press.
CHESTNUT HILL -- The lights are out and the curtain has fallen.
This past weekend was supposed to be a showdown. It was supposed to be a battle for first place in Hockey East between the No. 2/3 Boston University Terriers and the No. 8 Boston College Eagles.
Instead, it was sideshow entertainment. BC dominated BU on Friday night 9-5, and it followed that beating with a 5-2 conquest in Saturday’s finale. The BC fans' chants of “overrated” never seemed more true.
The Terriers took the early lead on Saturday, scoring at 3:52 in the first period on a Matt Nieto goal. But the Eagles took over from there, tying the game at 11:52 in the first before scoring two goals in 1:16 in the second period to take the game over.
Senior captain Joe Pereira scored at 5:26 in the second to tighten the score to 3-2, but the Eagles negated his tally with a shorthanded score at 8:05 in the second. The Eagles shut the door to a comeback in the third period, when BC’s Steve Whitney scored on a breakaway.
More to follow in Monday’s edition of the Daily Free Press.
Grading the Terriers: 12/3 vs. BC
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
Offense: D
You’re probably looking at the final score and thinking. “How can a team that scored five goals ever get a grade as low as a D?” Easy. The game was over by the time the Terriers scored four of their five goals – all of which came in a third period that started with BU down 6-1 – and BU coach Jack Parker acknowledged as such after the game. The real issues came early as BU attempted only 11 shots in the first 40 minutes compared to 27 for BC. The shots chart for the second period, in which the Terriers only attempted 11 shots with six of them reaching the goalie, looked more like one from a five-minute overtime period than a 20-minute second period. Freshman forward Mat Nieto’s wrist shot on a two-on-one in the second was the only thing that kept Friday night’s game from becoming even more of a laugher after two periods. After that, nothing else mattered.
Offense: D
You’re probably looking at the final score and thinking. “How can a team that scored five goals ever get a grade as low as a D?” Easy. The game was over by the time the Terriers scored four of their five goals – all of which came in a third period that started with BU down 6-1 – and BU coach Jack Parker acknowledged as such after the game. The real issues came early as BU attempted only 11 shots in the first 40 minutes compared to 27 for BC. The shots chart for the second period, in which the Terriers only attempted 11 shots with six of them reaching the goalie, looked more like one from a five-minute overtime period than a 20-minute second period. Freshman forward Mat Nieto’s wrist shot on a two-on-one in the second was the only thing that kept Friday night’s game from becoming even more of a laugher after two periods. After that, nothing else mattered.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Goaltending one of many problems for Terriers
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
By the rules of sports journalism, it’s required that this sidebar focus on just one aspect of Friday night’s 9-5 win by No. 8 Boston College over No. 2/3 Boston University.
Based on the outcome, you can guess this will be about either how well BC played, or how well BU didn’t.
Now the question is just where to begin.
By the rules of sports journalism, it’s required that this sidebar focus on just one aspect of Friday night’s 9-5 win by No. 8 Boston College over No. 2/3 Boston University.
Based on the outcome, you can guess this will be about either how well BC played, or how well BU didn’t.
Now the question is just where to begin.
Eagles soar over Terriers in 9-5 thrashing
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
The No. 2/3 Boston University men's hockey team suffered an embarrassing 9-5 loss to archrival No. 8 Boston College on Friday night. The nine goals were the most the Eagles have scored on the Terriers in 25 years.
"I was flabbergasted at how inept we were in many areas of the game," said BU coach Jack Parker. "Not for effort. We just didn't execute and we lost every battle for loose pucks. All in all, I don't think there was one guy on my team who had a good night tonight. A lot of it had to with how hard BC played, how they jumped us and made us jumpy with the puck. We didn't execute with passing at all. I was really impressed with them. I was really disappointed, and actually surprised, with our club."
BC (10-5-0, 8-4-0 Hockey East) put BU (7-2-5, 5-2-4 HE) behind the eight ball early. Just 2:04 into the game, junior forward Jimmy Hayes tipped a shot from sophomore defenseman Brian Dumoulin past junior goalie Kieran Millan (10 saves) for a power-play goal. Junior forward Paul Carey helped the Agganis Arena balloon deflate even faster when he scored 23 seconds later. He flicked what appeared to be a harmless wrist shot on net from the right circle, but Millan badly misjudged it and watched the puck float right over his glove.
The No. 2/3 Boston University men's hockey team suffered an embarrassing 9-5 loss to archrival No. 8 Boston College on Friday night. The nine goals were the most the Eagles have scored on the Terriers in 25 years.
"I was flabbergasted at how inept we were in many areas of the game," said BU coach Jack Parker. "Not for effort. We just didn't execute and we lost every battle for loose pucks. All in all, I don't think there was one guy on my team who had a good night tonight. A lot of it had to with how hard BC played, how they jumped us and made us jumpy with the puck. We didn't execute with passing at all. I was really impressed with them. I was really disappointed, and actually surprised, with our club."
BC (10-5-0, 8-4-0 Hockey East) put BU (7-2-5, 5-2-4 HE) behind the eight ball early. Just 2:04 into the game, junior forward Jimmy Hayes tipped a shot from sophomore defenseman Brian Dumoulin past junior goalie Kieran Millan (10 saves) for a power-play goal. Junior forward Paul Carey helped the Agganis Arena balloon deflate even faster when he scored 23 seconds later. He flicked what appeared to be a harmless wrist shot on net from the right circle, but Millan badly misjudged it and watched the puck float right over his glove.
From the FreeP: Battle of Comm. Ave doubles as contest for first place in conference
By Jake Seiner/DFP Staff
The leaves have fallen, the air is cooling and students are busy prepping for final exams.
In Boston, that can mean only one thing –- college hockey's most hyped rivalry has returned. The No. 2/3 Boston University men's hockey team will play host to No. 8 Boston College Friday night before journeying to Newton for a showdown at Conte Forum. Both games will start at 7:30.
The 251st and 252nd editions of the Battle of Comm. Ave. pits a pair of national top 10s in a showdown for more than just bragging rights.
The Terriers (7-1-5, 5-1-4 Hockey East) and Eagles (9-5-0, 7-4-0) head into the contest tied atop Hockey East with 14 points each, though BU has played one less conference game.
For more, click over to dailyfreepress.com.
The leaves have fallen, the air is cooling and students are busy prepping for final exams.
In Boston, that can mean only one thing –- college hockey's most hyped rivalry has returned. The No. 2/3 Boston University men's hockey team will play host to No. 8 Boston College Friday night before journeying to Newton for a showdown at Conte Forum. Both games will start at 7:30.
The 251st and 252nd editions of the Battle of Comm. Ave. pits a pair of national top 10s in a showdown for more than just bragging rights.
The Terriers (7-1-5, 5-1-4 Hockey East) and Eagles (9-5-0, 7-4-0) head into the contest tied atop Hockey East with 14 points each, though BU has played one less conference game.
For more, click over to dailyfreepress.com.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Hockey East Power Rankings 12/2
By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
1) No. 5 University of New Hampshire (7-2-4, 5-1-2 HE)
The Wildcats posted the best record of any Hockey East team in November, going 5-1-2. Perhaps more impressively, they went 3-1-0 against BC, BU and Merrimack -- teams that are firmly in the upper echelon of the league. They also have the best winning percentage in conference play at .750. Senior Paul Thompson leads UNH’s second-ranked offense, as he has tallied 13 points in his last six games and now leads the conference with 18 points this season on seven goals and 11 assists.
2) No. 8 Boston College (9-5-0, 7-4-0 HE)
Before you all show up outside my door with pitchforks and torches for putting BC ahead of BU, let me explain. The Eagles went 5-3-0 in November (that’s better than BU) and they rank third in the conference in offense (3.29 goals per game), first in defense (1.93 goals-against average), first on the power play (22.7 percent) and first on the penalty kill (90.6 percent). Junior Cam Atkinson leads the league in goals (11) and senior John Muse is tops in GAA (1.57), save percentage (.950) and winning percentage (.727).
1) No. 5 University of New Hampshire (7-2-4, 5-1-2 HE)
The Wildcats posted the best record of any Hockey East team in November, going 5-1-2. Perhaps more impressively, they went 3-1-0 against BC, BU and Merrimack -- teams that are firmly in the upper echelon of the league. They also have the best winning percentage in conference play at .750. Senior Paul Thompson leads UNH’s second-ranked offense, as he has tallied 13 points in his last six games and now leads the conference with 18 points this season on seven goals and 11 assists.
2) No. 8 Boston College (9-5-0, 7-4-0 HE)
Before you all show up outside my door with pitchforks and torches for putting BC ahead of BU, let me explain. The Eagles went 5-3-0 in November (that’s better than BU) and they rank third in the conference in offense (3.29 goals per game), first in defense (1.93 goals-against average), first on the power play (22.7 percent) and first on the penalty kill (90.6 percent). Junior Cam Atkinson leads the league in goals (11) and senior John Muse is tops in GAA (1.57), save percentage (.950) and winning percentage (.727).
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
From the FreeP: Terriers slip in one poll, maintain No. 2 in other
By Sam Dykstra/DFP Staff
Stalemates can either hurt a team or do absolutely no harm depending on the poll.
That was the case for the Boston University men's hockey team Monday, as it found out that it kept its hold on the second position in the USCHO.com Division I poll for the third straight week while it slipped to the third spot in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll following its 4-4 tie against Brown University Saturday.
The Terriers (7-1-5, 4-1-4) received one first-place vote in the USCHO.com rankings to keep University of Minnesota-Duluth from taking the top spot in both polls unanimously. Yale University, which had defeated Sacred Heart 5-1 last Tuesday, leapfrogged BU into the second spot of the USA Today/USA Hockey poll. University of Nebraska-Omaha and University of New Hampshire rounded out the top five respectively in both.
Stalemates can either hurt a team or do absolutely no harm depending on the poll.
That was the case for the Boston University men's hockey team Monday, as it found out that it kept its hold on the second position in the USCHO.com Division I poll for the third straight week while it slipped to the third spot in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll following its 4-4 tie against Brown University Saturday.
The Terriers (7-1-5, 4-1-4) received one first-place vote in the USCHO.com rankings to keep University of Minnesota-Duluth from taking the top spot in both polls unanimously. Yale University, which had defeated Sacred Heart 5-1 last Tuesday, leapfrogged BU into the second spot of the USA Today/USA Hockey poll. University of Nebraska-Omaha and University of New Hampshire rounded out the top five respectively in both.
For more from the notebook, click over to dailyfreepress.com.
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