Men’s Hockey: Return of the Comm. Ave rivalry set to begin in front of sold out Agganis crowd
Featured image by Spirit Veron
By Alexa Podalsky
The Battle of Commonwealth Avenue is around the corner, and more than bragging rights are on the line.
“I think it’s a really good challenge for our group,” coach Jay Pandolfo said. “Playing against a huge rival… but also they’re the number one team in the country. It’s a great opportunity for us to see where we’re at as a team.”
Boston University (13-7-1, 9-3-1 HE) is looking for revenge on Friday night at Agganis Arena after losing twice to Boston College (16-4-1, 9-3-1 HE) last year, but their penalty habit could put them behind.
The No. 8 Terriers’ four-game win streak has boosted them to the top of the Hockey East and the top 10 of the USCHO standings. Meanwhile, BC is the USCHO’s top-ranked team, despite being ranked second in the conference, and has won the past three non-exhibition games against BU.
The Eagles’ strong offense, led by Ryan Leonard, Gabe Perreault, and Teddy Stiga, could pose a problem if the Terriers continue their parade to the penalty box.
“We’re hoping [penalties are] not a big factor, we obviously want to stay out of the box,” captain Shane Lachance said. “You’ve got to be disciplined in all areas of the game, and I think that’s going to be a huge key to winning this weekend.”
BC’s offense has outscored their opponents 68-38, while their defense ranks third in goals scored and second in the penalty kill. Sophomore forward Ryan Leonard is ranked third with 15 goals scored this season, and Gabe Perreault is ranked second in assists.
BU has the seventh-worst penalty kill in Division 1 (75%) and allowed 21 power-play goals against in 84 attempts. With 347 penalty minutes on the season, the Terriers face the challenge of remaining disciplined in front of a sold-out crowd coming off two penalty-heavy games against New Hampshire.
“It’s been a challenge for us this year, there’s no question about it,” Pandolfo said. “Saturday’s UNH game, in a tight game like that, it’s very difficult if you take three penalties in the third period. And that’s what we did.”
BU swept last weekend despite taking 11 penalties against No. 18 UNH, including one major penalty against Gavin McCarthy last Friday. Pandolfo believes that his players understand the stakes their lack of discipline causes but aren’t “showing it quite yet.”
“I think we all know, you don’t want to get into penalty trouble with the team we’re playing this weekend,” Pandolfo said. “They have dangerous players and they’ll make you pay.”
The annual rivalry matchups will begin at a sold-out Agganis Arena on Friday and end at the Conte Forum on Saturday. Both games start at 7 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+ and NESN.