PLUS/MINUS: 3 Takeaways from BU vs. Northeastern Series

By: Dan Shulman

• FRESHMAN EMERGENCE

In two games this weekend, the freshman Terriers stepped up and contributed to a weekend sweep of the Huskies. Combining for only five points over both games, the freshman contribution was evident more than just on the scoresheet. Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson centered a first line that came alive against Northeastern. Jordan Greenway used his size and physicality to control the puck and create opportunities for scoring chances. Ryan Cloonan scored his fourth goal of the season on Friday and created multiple chances on Saturday. Bobo Carpenter had a few breakaway chances, but couldn’t score. Regardless, his presence was felt as he used his speed and agility to create chances, including making a few big hits. Charlie McAvoy continued to prove he is one of the best defenders in the nation, playing two-way hockey.

• GRZELCYK MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Captain and senior defenseman Matt Grzelcyk made his season debut this weekend. After taking an immediate penalty, he found the scoresheet, scoring twice and recording an assist in two games. His presence on the ice was felt immediately. Northeastern is a team playing much better than their record, giving the Terriers two tough games. Grzelcyk’s leadership was seen in the way the Terriers rallied in the third period Friday, scoring twice to beat the Huskies’ 5-4. Saturday, the captain scored an early power play marker to pace BU at Matthews Arena. With arguably the best defender in the country added to a potent lineup, the Terriers played a much improved pair of games this weekend.

• AGGRESSIVE PLAY

The Terriers played very aggressive in both games this weekend. Using a fast-paced style of play, BU out-hustled Northeastern this weekend, winning battles for loose pucks along the boards and playing more physical. Despite being out-shot and taking eight penalties on Friday, the Terriers played more aggressive than the Huskies. BU was rewarded in third period with two goals. On Saturday, it was the Terriers who held an 18-2 advantage in shots through the first period and controlled the pace of the play throughout the whole game en route to a 4-1 win and a season sweep of the Huskies in Hockey East play. The Terriers played more physical as well, delivering crunching hits all over the ice. The game on Saturday was arguably BU’s best of the season and it showed not just on the scoreboard, but through the energy with which the Terriers played all weekend.