Men’s Ice Hockey: Player Ratings vs. Merrimack on Friday

By: Dan Shulman

OFFENSE – Grade: B

The Terrier offense did something no other opponent has done against Merrimack. Not only did BU put three goals past Merrimack goalie Collin Delia, but they also had 37 shots on goal. The Warriors had averaged allowing 1.4 goals per game and 24.6 shots on goal per game. The BU offense was able to beat the curve. Despite falling behind early, the offense never batted an eye and gave the Terriers chance after chance to win. But in the end, BU was unable to finish quality chances, and thus, faltered.

DEFENSE – Grade: C+

BU senior captain and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk is still on the shelf with an offseason knee injury, and it is evident that his presence is missed. Although the defenseman continued to get forward and create offensive opportunities, which is not the primary role for the blue-liners, the task was simple: shut down Ben Bahe, Brian Christie, and the rest of the Warrior forwards. However, BU failed to do so, as Merrimack got on the board 48 seconds into the game and scored three more. The defense has been spotty thus far this season, and if it continues, the Terriers will have a difficult time winning games.

GOALTENDING – Grade: D

With lingering doubts behind a permanent starter, the goaltending situation for BU is not good. Friday did not solve anything, as senior Sean Maguire was chased in the second period following a Merrimack scoring outburst. His replacement, Connor LaCouvee, salvaged the night for BU goaltending, but saves that should’ve been made were not. Both goalies struggled to contain the puck, giving up dangerous rebounds. BU has to decide on a goalie quickly. Whichever net-minder they decide upon, he must be confident and reduce opportunities for opponents to score.

SPECIAL TEAMS – Grade: C

The penalty kill and power play units had an average night on Friday. While the penalty kill stood tall, the power play was held scoreless on the evening. It was a good rebound for a penalty kill that was decimated on Tuesday at UConn. However, the power play continued to be stopped and rather easily. Altogether, special teams was average on the night for BU.

TERRIERS’ THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT

1. Matt Lane

Lane continued his offensive prowess Friday, scoring a game-tying goal in the second period. Taking three shots on the night, Lane finished with an even rating on the night. His speed and puck-handling ability provided the Terrier offense an added boost.

2. Doyle Somerby

Despite taking an early penalty, Somerby was a +2 on the night and took four shots on goal. He also earned an assist on Matt Lane’s tying goal halfway through the second period. Somerby was also a physical presence during every shift.

3. Connor LaCouvee

Only playing 22 minutes on the night, LaCouvee kept the game within reach for the Terriers, relieving senior Sean Maguire. Posting 12 saves on the night and allowing no goals, LaCouvee looked confident and gave the Terriers a chance to stay in the game late.