Women’s Hockey: Terriers face UConn in quarterfinals matchup
By Stevie Potter
The sixth-seeded Boston University Terriers (12-14-6, 11-9-5 HE) are set to face off against the third place University of Connecticut Huskies (22-8-4, 16-7-4 HE) in the Hockey East Quarterfinals Saturday in Storrs, Conn.
Both UConn and BU closed out their regular season play with losses. The Terriers dropped their last matchup to Providence in an overtime loss, 2-1, while the Huskies played their final game against the beast of Hockey East, the Northeastern University Huskies, losing in a shutout, 5-0.
“You got to go out and play good defense,” BU head coach Brian Durocher said after last Saaturday’s losss to Providence. “They’re a strong team physically. I think if you stay on the [defensive] side, and, you know, don’t make things easy for them, You can give yourself a chance.”
The Terriers’ unfortunately-timed loss fell on Senior Night. Both senior goaltenders, Kate Stuart and Nicole McGuigan played in the game and combined for 21 saves. Graduate student Ellie Larson scored the only goal for BU.
Historically, Boston University has the most successful record in the Hockey East Tournament. They also sport a 29-14-8 all-time record against UConn (26-5-5 since 2010). The two previous times these two teams have met in the quarterfinals have resulted in two BU victories. The Terriers are 5-1 in single-elimination quarterfinals games.
While these statistics bode well for BU, this season’s team has not had as much success. The Terriers and the Huskies have faced off three times in this season with UConn winning twice and with the other going down in the tie, although the Terriers took the extra point in the shootout. Another roadblock for BU is UConn’s record for this season as the Huskies have had what has been the best regular season in program history.
UConn has also made it to the Hockey East Championship in two of the last four seasons, losing to Northeastern both times.
“I don’t think they’re a super explosive offensive team, but they’re a very tested and very tried and true playoff team,” Durocher said. “You look at their record for their team, it’s been very, very good in the postseason and and that’s with some teams that were not nearly as good as this year’s edition.”
Team leaders in points is another area where UConn has the edge over Boston. Husky Morgan Wabick has put together 29 points during the regular season and her tally was closely followed by Natalie Snodgrass and Vicki Harkness who had 28 and 26 points respectively. While the Terrier point leader Courtney Corriea’s 24 point total is still very impressive, it loses some of its sparkle when compared to this UConn team.
“We know we have a real tough opponent, and one that’s super-well coached,” Durocher said. “We’re just gonna have to get out there, and do our best to get a couple of timely goals, maybe a power play goal and see if we can walk out of there with a win.”
Puck drop is set for 3 p.m. at the Freitas Ice Forum.
Featured Image by Joe Eachus