Men’s Ice Hockey: PLAYER RATINGS for BU vs. Yale and Quinnipiac

By: Dan Shulman

OFFENSE: B+

The BU offense continued to perform, scoring six goals against two of the nation’s best defensive teams. After only scoring twice against Yale in a loss on Friday, the floodgates opened on Saturday for BU. Putting four pucks past the country’s top defense, the Terriers looked powerful and impressive against an equally talented defense. Two solid performances by BU this weekend look to be a sign of better things to come for the Terriers.

DEFENSE: B

Defensively, the Terriers struggled Friday against Yale. The Bulldogs offense overwhelmed BU and some lapses in the net-front area led to goals for Yale. Saturday, however, the Terriers defense came to play. Despite a few anxious moments, the defense came up with necessary stops and held one of the best teams in the country to just one goal. It wasn’t a perfect showing from the Terrier blue-liners, but it was a job well done nonetheless.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

Going up against two of the nation’s premier power play units, the Terrier penalty kill, which had struggled as of late, came up big. Going a combined 1-7 on the weekend, BU conceded its only power play goal on a five-minute man advantage Friday. On the power play, BU only had two opportunities, scoring on one of them. Friday night’s power play tally came against the country’s top penalty kill. The Terriers’ special teams units continued to look impressive this past weekend.

GOALTENDING: A-

Connor LaCouvee and Sean Maguire each made an appearance this weekend, and were challenged with two tough teams. On Friday, LaCouvee played well, but was unable to get the win. Some defensive lapses and a power play opportunity led to goals for Yale, but LaCouvee held his own and kept the Bulldogs in check.

Saturday, Sean Maguire stepped in between the pipes facing one of the country’s best teams, matching up against a goaltender who did not give up a goal since the Thanksgiving weekend. However, it was Maguire who performed best, stopping 36 Quinnipiac shots to knock the Bobcats from the ranks of the unbeaten. It was a valiant effort from both net-minders this weekend, as they each continue to improve.

TERRIERS’ THREE STARS OF THE WEEKEND

1. Bobo Carpenter

Carpenter scored twice in as many games this weekend, doubling his goal output for the season. Taking eight shots over the weekend with a +1 rating, the freshman led a third line that has been emerging over the past five games as an offensive force.

2. Sean Maguire

The senior goalie took the crease Saturday against one of the top teams in the country, and Maguire came to play. Making 36 saves on the night, Maguire handed the Bobcats their first loss of the season and the Terriers second road win of the year; a huge confidence booster heading into the winter intermission.

3. Matt Lane

Lane didn’t record a point on Friday, but scored twice Saturday to help the Terriers to victory. His eight shots on the weekend and +4 rating are impressive, as the assistant captain continued to show his leadership and talent on all areas of the ice.

HM: Robbie Baillargeon

Baillargeon, snake-bitten as of late, scored what ended up being the game-winner on Saturday. The junior was a +2 for the weekend and had three shots on goal. Baillargeon came out of his shell this weekend as the leading goal scorer two years ago looks to be returning to his level of scoring prowess.