Men’s Hockey: Terriers drop Game 2 of weekend series to Arizona State, 3-0

By: Denny Hackett

After an even first period, the Terriers (10-10-3) collapsed in the second and third in what was a 3-0 loss to the Arizona State University Sun Devils (17-10-1).

On Saturday the Terriers had significant lineup changes from Friday. For one, Captain Bobo Carpenter was out, and goaltender Vinnie Purpura made his first start of his collegiate career. After playing the final two minutes against Merrimack on Monday, Purpura was given the nod to start over junior goaltender Jake Oettinger.

Both teams were held scoreless in the first period but the Terriers had the better chances throughout the frame. In one opportunity, Ty Amonte was one on one with Sun Devils’ goalie Joey Daccord but fanned on the shot keeping the game scoreless just five minutes in. Then several minutes later Max Willman was one on one with the goalie before Daccord made an excellent save after it initially appeared that the puck sailed to the boards. In the first period the Sun Devils had more shots on net, leading the Terriers 10-9.

The Terriers came out flat in the second period. In several situations, the Terriers were slow to get back to their defensive zone, leading to several odd man rushes for the Sun Devils. Then just three minutes into the period Filips Buncis opened the scoring during a four on four after penalties were called on both teams. The Terriers had several opportunities to tie the game in the second but just could not find the back of the net in the first.

In a scary moment for the Terriers, forward Ty Amonte looked to be in some pain after blocking a shot and was slow to get up but was able to finish his shift and continue playing. But, Amonte’s game did end early after he checked a player in the back with under nine minutes to play in the third, resulting in a five minute major and a game misconduct.

Then with 1:14 left in the period, ASU forward Johnny Walker doubled their lead after an assist from Josh Maniscalco. In the period ASU outshot the Terriers 18-9 and went into the second intermission up 2-0.

After the second, the Terriers never found their footing against the Sun Devils. In the third period, ASU defended well and maintained their lead. Just seven minutes into the frame, Walker tallied his second goal and added to his NCAA lead in goals at 21. Couple that with Amonte’s five minute major and game disqualification and it was a recipe for disaster for the Terriers in the third.

Despite the loss, Purpura played well in net in his first start as a Terrier, stopping 36 shots and allowing just the three goals and BU Head Coach Albie O’Connell was happy with his performance. After the game he said, “Our goalie was our best player, nice to see the kid show up in his first game and he showed up big. In a tough game he played pretty well.”

The Terriers have just one game next weekend when they take on the number two ranked UMASS Minutemen on Friday before starting Beanpot action next Monday.