Thursday, March 21, 2013

Previewing the Boston University Terriers


You know, it's very seldom that you have a chance to do something that no one will ever forget. Sure, winning Beanpots and NCAA titles will always go down as some of the great moments in BC Hockey history but what this team has in front of them tomorrow is just an unbelievable chance to make history. They have a chance to put coach Jack Parker and his Terriers away for good. When I look at this matchup, I see that both have a couple of "power" lines as you will see BU's big line of Nieto-Rodrigues-O'Regan. In the three pervious meetings this season, the Eagles beat the Terriers twice with BU getting a W during the second game of the series @ Agganis Arena. Here is the twist for tomorrow nights game. Combined, the Eagles and the Terriers will have lost a total of 5 starters from their final regular season meeting @ Conte Forum (a 5-2 victory for the good guys). The Eagles will obviously be without Kevin Hayes but it will the Terriers who may suffer the biggest hits as Yasin Cisse (early departure), Wes Myron (early departure), Matt O'Connor (injury), and Alexx Privitera (suspension) will all be absent from tomorrows contest. To go along with those injuries, defenseman Garrett Noonan is going to try and play with a separated shoulder (one he has had for just a week now).

Here is one thing I think BC has got to be able to take advantage of. BU is starting a freshman goalie (Sean Maguire) at the Garden in his first ever game versus Boston College, with his coaches' (and teams) future on the line. If that doesn't get you nervous, I don't know what will. If you're the Eagles, you just got to find a way to get everything to the net. Whether it's a grade A chance or a simple dump in outside the blue line, get every puck towards this guy. Force him to come up big in his first real big game. Another thing I'd like to see BC do is attack. During the second half of last Saturday's game, it was apparent that BC started to go on the offensive rather than play a conservative style of play that almost cost them a couple of goals. This BU defense is thin and beat up. One hallmark of Boston University hockey over the past couple of years is that they love to take penalties. In fact, they are the only Hockey East team that currently ranks in the top 10 nationally in penalty minutes. Of course, that won't mean anything if BC doesn't improve on their dreadful power play performance last weekend but if they can continue to force their opponents to take penalties and get on the man advantage, I think they have a great chance at winning this game.

In big games like this, getting out to an early lead is huge. In BC's two victories over the Terriers this season, they got out to sustainable leads through a period or two and really put the pedal to the medal in the third period.  The key is to just play some calm and collected hockey. No bad penalties, no bad defensive errors, and most importantly giving 100% on each and every play.

Listen, we all know that tomorrow night's game is not and ordinary Hockey East semifinal with a chance to get to the championship game of the toughest league in college hockey. No. A win tomorrow night would go down as one of the great victories in the history of BC Hockey.

Scouting the Terriers-

Pairwise Rank- 18th (they need to win to get in)

Leading scorers- Danny O'Regan (14-22-38), Matt Nieto (18-17-35), Cason Hohmann (10-23-33)

Best Wins- @ North Dakota, vs BC

Worst Loss- vs Northeastern (x2)

Notes-

Johnny G captured player of the year today and was also named a Top 10 finalist for the Hobey. Steven Whitney was not named a finalist however. What a joke.













 Previewing the Boston University Terriers: A Glimpse into the Upcoming Season



The Boston University Terriers, a name synonymous with collegiate sports excellence, are gearing up for another exciting season. As anticipation builds among fans and players alike, it's time to preview what the upcoming season holds for this storied institution. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the Boston University Terriers, explore their rich history, assess the current team's strengths and challenges, and answer frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of what to expect in the upcoming season.

I. The Legacy of the Terriers

Boston University, located in the heart of one of America's greatest sports cities, boasts a rich tradition of athletic excellence. The Terriers' athletic program has consistently been among the nation's best.

Historical Success: BU's athletics program has earned numerous conference championships and national titles, including in hockey, basketball, and soccer.

Nurturing Talent: BU has been a nurturing ground for future sports legends, with many Terriers alumni achieving success at the professional level.

II. Hockey Dominance

Hockey is undeniably a centerpiece of BU's athletic legacy. The Terriers' ice hockey team, in particular, has achieved extraordinary success.

Multiple Championships: BU's hockey team has captured multiple national championships, establishing itself as a collegiate hockey powerhouse.

NHL Talent: The program has consistently produced NHL-caliber talent, including players who have gone on to have illustrious careers in the professional league.

III. The Current Roster

As fans eagerly await the start of the upcoming season, let's take a closer look at the Terriers' current roster.

Key Players: The team's success often hinges on the performance of key players, including forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders.

Coach's Strategy: The coaching staff's strategy, tactics, and ability to maximize the roster's potential will play a pivotal role in the season's outcome.

IV. Strengths and Challenges

Every team faces its share of strengths and challenges. Understanding these factors is crucial in assessing the Terriers' prospects for the upcoming season.

Strengths: The Terriers may boast strong offensive firepower, a solid defense, or an experienced goaltender, among other strengths.

Challenges: Overcoming injuries, adapting to changing game dynamics, and facing formidable opponents are challenges every team must address.

V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is BU's outlook for the upcoming season in terms of competing for championships?

BU's outlook may be influenced by factors such as the roster's composition, coaching strategies, and the competitive landscape of their conference.
How have BU's historical successes in hockey shaped the program's identity and expectations?

The program's legacy sets high expectations for success, and each season is an opportunity to build on that legacy.
What can fans expect from the Terriers in terms of their playing style and on-ice tactics?

BU's playing style may vary from season to season but often emphasizes a combination of skill, speed, and disciplined play.
What role do Terriers alumni play in supporting and guiding the current team?

Alumni often serve as a source of inspiration and mentorship for current players, sharing their experiences and insights.
VI. Conclusion

As the Boston University Terriers prepare to hit the ice in the upcoming season, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation. Their legacy, built on a foundation of excellence, sets the stage for another thrilling chapter in BU's storied sports history.

While the strengths and challenges of the current roster may shape their journey, one thing remains certain: the Terriers will enter the season with the same determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence that have defined their program for generations. Whether they're skating towards a championship or navigating obstacles, the Terriers' journey promises to be an exciting one, fueled by the indomitable spirit that has made them a force to be reckoned with in collegiate sports.




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