PLUS/MINUS: 4 Takeaways vs. Massachusetts

By: Dan Shulman

• Dynamic Defense

The most dangerous aspect of this Boston University Terriers team is the dynamic defense. With a group of talented defenders, the blue-liners are able to step up into the play more and create scoring chances. The defensemen are not afraid to shoot and almost act as a fourth or even fifth forward on offense, while physically dismantling opponents on defense. Holding UMass, a team with a powerful offense, to only two goals says a lot about the BU defense as a whole. With stalwart play at the back, BU has the tools to make a run for the NCAA Frozen Four yet again.

• Two Confident Goalies

At the beginning of the season, there was an uncertainty about who to start in goal. Both Connor LaCouvee and Sean Maguire had never assumed the full-time starting roll, and it was unsure if either would be able to carry the load. With Connor LaCouvee starting 70% of the games in the first half of the season, Maguire was limited to a backup roll. However, Maguire has started three consecutive games for the Terriers, going 3-0 in that span. Not only did Maguire shut down UMass, but he earned wins against the top two teams in the pairwise rankings. With two goaltenders playing confident hockey, the Terriers look to become even more dangerous.

• Slow Starts Continue… But A More Complete Effort Overall

Chalk another one up in the slow start category. Once again, BU failed to come out of the gate with a full head of steam, falling behind just three minutes into the game. But BU was resilient and put in their most complete effort to date. Sure, there were lapses in the second period but the Terriers played their best game to date, almost playing a full 60-minute effort. If BU can start games off with the same intensity that they finish, BU could vie for a top position in Hockey East.

• Oskar Andren is a Stud

With A.J. Greer leaving during the break, the depth of BU was gravely tested. However, BU looked to insource a replacement for Greer, and found Swedish phenom Oskar Andren. A perverbial “diamond in the ruff,” Andren dawns Greer’s old number 26 jersey, and is truly one of the most hockey-minded players on the team. Andren has a real eye for the game and not only makes smart plays on offense and defense, but brings a level of physicality as well. The Terriers have found something special with Oskar Andren and he could be just the spark that BU was looking for.