By Scott McLaughlin/DFP Staff
ORONO, Maine — Despite getting outshot 20-2 in the first period, the No. 16 Boston University men’s hockey team forced a 1-1 tie against No. 11 University of Maine at Alfond Arena on Saturday night. Junior goalie Kieran Millan made 41 saves and earned No. 1 star honors for the second straight night, while senior forward Joe Pereira netted the Terriers’ lone goal.
The Black Bears got on the board just 21 seconds into the game when junior defenseman Will O’Neill collected a faceoff win at the left point, took a few steps to his right and blasted a slap shot through a screen and inside the left post for his second of the season.
Maine continued to dominate the game for the next several minutes and had a few chances to make it 2-0, including two power plays. But on its second power play, it was the Terriers who were able to get on the board.
Junior forward Chris Connolly forced a turnover at the blue line and started a 2-on-1 rush the other way. He held on the left wing before centering for Pereira, whose redirect deflected off freshman goalie Martin Ouellette’s glove and into the net. The goal was Pereira’s team-leading 11th.
Although the Black Bears continued to make the BU zone a shooting gallery throughout the game, many of their shots came from the outside. Aside from the O’Neill goal, Millan was able to see most of them and displayed great rebound control all night.
Pereira’s goal wasn’t the only shorthanded highlight. Millan and the Terriers held the Maine power play scoreless on seven chances and did a good job pressuring Maine’s playmakers. While the penalty kill was great for BU, the power play continued to struggle with an 0-for-5 showing.
More to come in Monday’s paper.
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