Men’s Hockey: Terriers Maturity Keys Six Game Run

By: Marisa Ingemi

With all the inconsistencies Boston University has faced this season, it’s a wonder they have put together a six game winning streak.

In the midst of that streak, throw in an outdoor game, a contest against a good Union team without seven players, and two wins over Boston College?

Consider that impressive.

“I think we’ve played a more mature game over the last six games, we’re healthy too,” said head coach David Quinn after the game. “We were down [Clayton] Keller, [Ryan] Cloonan, and [Nikolas] Olsson for over a month, and those are three good players. You insert them back into the lineup and all of a sudden, your forward group looks totally different.”

Being healthy is one thing, but against Union on January 5th, the Terriers still lacked Keller, Dante Fabbro, Jordan Greenway, Jake Oettinger, and an entire cast of players, and still managed one of their hallmark wins this season.

BU did continue to take penalties against the Eagles, but effectively shut down the BC power play with one of the better defensive efforts of the season. Going three-for-three on the power play themselves created one of the most complete games the Terriers have competed in all season.

“Our power play, it delivered big,” said Coach Quinn. “As important as your percentage is, the timing of a power play goal is equally important; if you’re going to have success, your special teams better be good.”

The Terriers power play has lacked at times this season, and it has been the penalty kill that has been dominant. The Eagles saw that on Monday night, but they also saw a team that played as well as they have all season in five-on-five play.

Freshman goalie Jake Oettinger earned a shutout across the ice from his USA teammate, roommate and fellow freshman, Joseph Woll. He was as impressive as anyone else on the ice, stopping each shot he faced.

“I’m just really proud of our guys,” Quinn said. “From our goaltender out we were pretty thorough and I thought our D-core was really good tonight. We were really strong defensively. We transitioned the puck well. Just a great road win for us.”

Maturity has been a buzzword after nearly every BU game this season, but for one of the first times all year, it was used in a positive light; as the Terriers continue to mature, they have been rewarded.

“We’re young, we’re growing, we’re getting more mature, we’re getting better,” said Quinn. “I think you add all that up, and we’re in the midst of six game winning streak.”