PLUS/MINUS: Three Takeaways from BU vs. Providence

By: Dan Shulman

• COVER THE SLOT

This has become a recurring issue for the Boston University Terriers this year. The BU defense will drift toward the puck, leaving the middle of the zone exposed. Opponents have exploited this weakness in every game this season. And this weekend was no different. On Friday, BU goalie Connor LaCouvee stood tall, giving up just one goal. Saturday, Providence’s first goal was a direct result of poor coverage in the slot, but for the rest of the game, LaCouvee again stymied Providence, allowing two power play goals from one-timers. Brian Pinho netted the game’s opening goal late in the first on a wide-open shot from the slot. If BU can tighten up in the slot, they will be a frustrating defense to break down.

• IMPROVE LINE CHANGES

There were too many bad line changes this weekend for the Terriers. On both nights, the sloppy changes did not lead to Providence goals, only a few hearts in mouths for the BU faithful and coaching staff. This is an issue that hasn’t really surfaced this season until this weekend. It may not have cost BU this weekend, but if the bad line changes occur, it will eventually hurt the Terriers.

• RESILIENCY

Before this weekend, Providence was 70-3-4 when leading after two periods under Head Coach Nate Leaman. On both nights, BU was down to Providence after forty minutes. But the young Terriers stayed resilient and persevered. Friday night saw BU equalize late, as Ahti Oksanen scored with the Terrier net vacant to tie the game. Saturday, despite a two-goal deficit with twenty minutes to play, BU stormed back to take a brief lead before Providence equalized. Both games ended tied, and while BU couldn’t complete the comeback, they tied a team who is almost unbeatable when ahead after two periods.