The trip to Orono wasn’t an easy one for BU this weekend, but the Terriers were able to take home a point by drawing even late in what would end as a 2-2 tie on Saturday night. Here are my takeaways from that game, and of course, all opinions are my own.
This tie felt like a win
Just as the two previous ties felt like losses after BU surrendered multi-goal comebacks to Northern Michigan and Lowell, this tie felt like a win with the Terriers finding a way to level the score in the game’s waning moments. I’ll admit it: I wasn’t too sure if BU would be able to tie it up. As the third period unfolded, it felt like a repeat of Friday night; the Terriers were controlling play, but just could not find a way to break down Jeremy Swayman and Maine defense. Persistence paid, however, and Matt Quercia got one by Swayman late to force the tie. In a game where the undermanned Terriers didn’t look their best, a draw was a good result.
Pedestrian on the power play
It’s funny what a difference a week makes. Against UMass Lowell and UNH last weekend, it felt like every Terrier man advantage involved puck movement among all five skaters, leading to great chances. Fast forward a week, and at times against Maine, it seemed like the BU power play unit had never even skated on the same ice before. Patrick Harper’s absence certainly didn’t help, as he was the biggest catalyst of the BU power play when they were finding success. Still, the Terriers should have enough talent to maximize those opportunities, and one power play goal among their six chances could have given BU two points instead of one.
BU survived the weekend
One point in two games sounds like a failure, but I would argue that, all things considered, this weekend was anything but a disappointment for the Terriers. In addition to the four Terriers suffering from more long-term injuries, BU was also without two leaders in Patrick Harper, scratched both nights, and Cam Crotty, who only lasted a couple shifts on Friday night. With BU going on the road to face a healthy Maine team that has been playing good hockey, this could have easily been an ugly weekend. Instead, the Terriers hung in there and kept the games close, thanks in part to skaters who stepped up and Sam Tucker’s play in goal.
The schedule going forward will not get any easier for BU, who will face #7/8 Providence in a home-and-home set next weekend.
Brady I agree with all your points except for your statement of us controlling the play. I honestly thought bu fought and battled but at the same time was hesitant. I think Maine gave us a lot of shots because they were from low percentage areas I think maine controlled both games. As I have said before I like our compete level I just think this team is still growing and learning and I’m ok with it because you need patience when dealing with young kids who really have not had much adjustment time with all the injuries we have had. It’s clear we have some guys with wheels and I think it’s clear we are most effective when we move our feet. Alfond is a tough barn to play in . I think bu was playing to survive instead of attacking which is understandable when your young and hurting unfortunately that does not usually lead to success at Alfond. Coming up with providence in town bu has to focus on a good balanced attack but also needs to protect the puck we can’t give providence 4 breakaways and think that’s ok. Go bu🐾
Good point Colin. I’m with you that Maine presented a challenge and playing up there made the games even harder. Big weekend ahead, we’ll see if they can rise to the challenge!