Men’s Ice Hockey: PLAYER RATINGS for BU vs. Bentley

By: Dan Shulman

OFFENSE – B+

The Boston University Terriers, for the first time since November 7, scored a first period goal. Danny O’Regan put a backhand shot over Bentley’s goalie Gabe Antoni, and that was all the Terriers would need to silence the Falcons. The offense was very balanced, overwhelming Bentley with pressure companied with an immense forecheck.

However, the final score easily could have been triple what it was. Antoni was a rebound machine, and looked more like a backboard than a goalie at times. BU’s forwards were unable to capitalize on the rebounds and loose pucks in the slot. A credit to the Falcons defense for holding off the Terriers. If BU could capitalize on these chances, the offense will be a force to be reckoned with.

DEFENSE – A

BU silenced Bentley’s top line of Andrew Gladiuk, Max French, and Andrew McDonald, a trio that, with the newly promoted McDonald, had been prolific. It was a silent night all around for the Falcons, and it was the Terrier defense that, in the absence of leader Matt Grzelcyk, stood up to the task. Bentley only attempted 35 shots, 15 of which were on target. The blue-liners played an exceptional sixty minutes of hockey, and silenced one of Atlantic Hockey’s powerhouse teams.

GOALTENDING – A

Sean Maguire returned to the net for the first time since October 30 at Merrimack. The senior net-minder turned aside all 15 shots he faced, and moved the puck extremely well behind the net. His quick reactions and decision-making allowed Maguire to poke pucks away from Bentley forwards to prevent scoring chances. He did well to glove down most shots, reducing the amount of rebound chances for the Falcons. If Maguire continues to play as well as he did tonight, the Terriers will become a very dangerous team down the stretch.

SPECIAL TEAMS – A

Both the power play and penalty kill units shined against one of the nation’s special teams’ leaders. BU had three power plays, all coming in the second period. BU converted once when Doyle Somerby sent a wrist shot over Antoni. On the penalty kill, facing the NCAA’s sixth-ranked power play, BU limited Bentley’s chances and held the Falcons to zero shots. Bentley even had a 5-on-3 chance, where they attempted six shots, seeing five go wide and the other get swallowed up by Somerby. Another superb showing by BU’s special teams units.

TERRIERS’ THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT

1. Danny O’Regan

Three minutes into the game, Danny O’Regan took an ice-length lofted pass from Ahti Oksanen and put BU ahead for good. O’Regan added an assist in the third period. He took two shots on goal and finished the night with a +2 rating. The assistant captain was a key piece to the Terriers’ victory on Tuesday.

2. Mike Moran

The senior forward did just about everything but find the scoresheet tonight. He recorded a game-high six shots against Bentley, and had an even rating for the night. Moran and the rest of the fourth line came out firing from the start, and Moran’s hustle for the puck provided his linemates with ample chances against the Falcons.

3. Doyle Somerby

Oh, Doyle Rules! The junior defenseman was one of the best players on the ice again, scoring a power play goal, his second tally in three games. Somerby also added an assist and four shots on goal against the Falcons. Defensively, Somerby was all over the ice, and accounted for three of BU’s eight blocked shots on the night.