Player Ratings vs. Boston College

By: Dan Shulman

OFFENSE: C+

Boston University has been a strong offensive team this season, but on Monday, it was given a huge reality check. There was an alarming lack of urgency in the offensive zone. While there were plenty of opportunities, BU was held in check by Boston College. The Eagles barely allowed the Terriers any attack-zone time. If the Terriers played with just slight urgency, they would have beaten the Eagles.

DEFENSE: B+

Holding the nation’s third best scoring offense to just a single goal in 61:57 is never easy, and nearly impossible. But, the Terrier blue-liners did just that. BC came out flying in the first period, outshooting BU through 20 minutes, 23-12. But the defense stood tall and made some smart plays to prevent shots on odd-man rushes; namely, Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Hickey. Overall, it was a smartly played game by the defense.

GOALTENDING: A-

Sean Maguire was the best goaltender on the ice for the entire game against BC. While his counterpart, Thatcher Demko, looked a bit shaken up, Maguire was confident all night long and made some excellent saves to keep the game scoreless. The minus in his grade is the goal he allowed in overtime on a shot from Alex Tuch. The play Tuch made to score was NHL-caliber and there are very few goaltenders on the planet who would’ve saved the shot.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B

The BU power play only had a couple opportunities on the night and were unable to capitalize on any of them. Going up against one of the top penalty kill units in the nation, the power play got some good looks and moved the puck rather well. On the penalty kill, the Terriers stifled the Eagles despite a few anxious moments. BC’s power play went blank on the night as well, and BU was effective in limiting power play chances for the Eagles.

TERRIERS’ THREE STARS OF THE NIGHT:

1. Sean Maguire

MVP Award. Eberly Award. 41 Saves. Enough Said.

2. Matt Lane

Lane had himself a wonderful night, nearly potting a game winner in the final moments of regulation. With four shots on net, all of them quality shots, Lane was the most opportunistic player for BU all night.

3. Charlie McAvoy

McAvoy played a strong defensive game overall for BU.  He thwarted several chances for BC in the offensive zone and was strong on the puck all night long. McAvoy got three shots on goal in the game as well and played excellent two-way hockey.

DON’T HANG YOUR HEADS

Although the Terriers lost a heart-breaking Beanpot Final to BC, there is no reason to be upset. The offense had some good chances and despite a slow night, could have easily gotten one or two shots passed Thatcher Demko. The defense was solid and Sean Maguire played an unbelievable game for BU. The loss is unfortunate, but there is no need to let it linger. With six big Hockey East games left on the slate and a playoff race heating up, the Beanpot was probably the least important game remaining on the schedule. The Terriers need to have a short memory and, to quote Bill Belichick, move onto UMass-Lowell this weekend. There’s little reason to be upset after this loss.