After nearly a month without a game, the Boston University men’s hockey team drew 2-2 with Harvard in a visit to crosstown rivals to open play in 2019.
Coming off of the midseason holiday break, the Terriers (6-8-3, 5-5-2 in Hockey East) received much-needed reinforcements from multiple sources. Freshman Joel Farabee and sophomores Shane Bowers and Logan Cockerill returned from the World Junior Championship, having departing for the international tournament prior to the conclusion of the first half of the season. Senior captain Bobo Carpenter also became available after missing the 2018 finale due to injury, while junior defenseman Chad Krys remained sidelined for the Terriers.
BU started strong against the Crimson (6-4-3, 3-3-2 in ECAC), tilting the ice early and getting rewarded for their efforts. Less than three minutes into the opening period, it was Matthew Quercia who knocked in a centering pass from Ryan Cloonan to score the game’s first goal. Cloonan ‘s strong move and pinpoint pass gave the senior his first assist of the season, while his freshman linemate Quercia collected his first goal as a Terrier on the tap-in.
In the second, BU gained a pair of power plays in rapid succession, but successful kills by the Crimson defense propelled Harvard forward towards BU net. After two dangerous chances were denied by junior Jake Oettinger, Crimson junior Adam Fox fired a shot by the BU netminder with three minutes to play in the second stanza. The tally boosted Fox’s team lead in points to 21, and brought the game level leading into the final 20 minutes.
Harvard’s momentum continued into the third, as senior Lewis Zerter-Gossage put the Crimson in front, slapping in a rebound on the power play less than two minutes into the third period. Harvard’s leading goal scorer did not have much time to celebrate his tenth tally of the season though, as Joel Farabee knotted things up with a power play goal of his own just minutes later, his fifth goal of the campaign.
With the game tied at two, Jake Oettinger was called into action more frequently than his goaltending counterpart senior Michael Lackey, but BU’s Dallas Stars prospect was equal to the task throughout on every occasion. After goalmouth tussles on both ends, the third period buzzer sounded, and the game headed to an additional frame.
In overtime, the Terriers dominated zone time, but Lackey came up with his best saves of the night for the Crimson to ensure that BU would not find a winner. 65 minutes would not be enough to separate the two sides, and the game would finish tied 2-2.
Continuing the quest for their first win of the new year, the Terriers will move on to two crucial Hockey East matchups later this week. First, BU will return to Agganis Arena on Friday to take on the University of New Hampshire (6-7-6, 2-4-3 in Hockey East), and then the Terriers head to Providence to face the Friars (12-4-4, 6-2-1 in Hockey East) on Saturday.
What did you think of the draw against Harvard? Let us know your thoughts below!
I thought we played well jake was solid in net. We created a lot of offense by moving our feet and driving the net. The Harvard goalie played well . I thought we let there D walk down the lane too much but overall I think we played well. Looking to build off this game. Go bu🐾
To put the best spin on this, we tied a team that is top-20 in the Pairwise at their own rink and now we have a three game unbeaten streak. Another point for Harper. I only listened to this game on radio.
I wanted Fabbro up front because of the lack of scoring up front. I know now that can not be done but last night we saw how poor we are on O. This group of forwards do not score because we do not have a natural goal scorer on the team. That is what hurts.
Going into this season I thought Bobo, Harper and Bowers would be prolific goal scorers. Let’s hope that still comes true.
One good game does not a season make! However, let’s see if it can be a springboard to better results. The prediction here, unfortunately, is that it won’t. But at least BC sucks. Pathetic that you people hang on to that weak thinking, TK out!
Glenn,
I attended the game. It was a typical B.U. game. They came out strong and scored an early goal. Harvard took over after a B.U. penalty and although dominate could not convert.
Big saves by Jake turned the momentum back to B.U.and they dominated the later part of the first period. B.U. followed that up with a very strong start to the second period but could not score on back to back power plays. This seemed to give confidence and momentum to Harvard. Unfortunately they tied the game with about three minutes left in the second because of a blown coverage in the defensive zone. ( a continuing problem all season). As no B.U. player defended Harvards best player about 20 feet in the slot, nothing Jake could but fish the puck out of the net.
The preceding event turned the game around in Harvards favor and they drew a penalty and scored at the beginning of the third period. After dominating B.U. , Harvard committed a penalty and although it was a struggle , Joel F. scored an NHL type goal on a snipe to the high corner.
I thought B.U.had the better opportunities but neither team could score.
This is a.500 Harvard team so a tie is no great accomplishment. Yes it is better than losing. However if the record is 6-8-3, 31st in the pairwise then it is imperative to win games in order to salvage the season.
Thanks for the summary Larry. I think what I care now about is where teams are in the Pairwise. Harvard might be around .500 but they are higher than us in the Pairwise. Anyway, I think unless we win every regular season game left, we have to win the HE title to advance to the NCAAs.