As BU coach Jack Parker and BC coach Jerry York said, we're seeing the highest caliber of hockey that has existed in the league in years. Anyone who finished in the top four spots faced a stern test to get to the Garden, thanks to the high quality of the conference. The teams still standing put up one of the most competitive and closely fought races we've seen in a while.
Third-seeded Boston University versus fourth-seeded Maine (18-16-3, 13-12-2 Hockey East ) will be no exception on Friday night. In 12 previous Hockey East tournament matchups, the teams are dead
even with six wins apiece, setting the stage for an intense, physical,
down-to-the-wire contest.
Boston University (18-16-3, 13-12-2 Hockey East) will look to defend its title as it appears in its ninth consecutive semifinal. After a hard-fought, three-game series against Merrimack in the quarters, Parker admits that although his team has enough leadership to set the tone on Friday night, the Terriers' inconsistencies could play an unfortunate deciding factor.
"Our series with Merrimack was certainly an up-and-down affair for us emotionally," Parker said. "Merrimack steamrolled us, and should have won the game by a bigger score. We were Jekyll, Hyde and then Jekyll again, as far as how we played. We know we can’t afford a Mr. Hyde. If we have a no-show type of game again, our season is over."
After taking 18 penalties in the Merrimack series — and after combining with the Warriors for 79 penalty minutes in Game 3 alone — the Terriers will need to stay out of the box against a blistering Maine power play. Not only is the unit leading the nation with a 27.9 percent success rate, it is quarterbacked by one of the best players in college hockey in Gustav Nyquist. His 18 goals, 41 assists and 59 points lead the country, and the Black Bears' power play has now scored at least one goal in 12 of their last 13 games.
Though BU's penalties have been costly in past situations, the Terriers' special teams ironically ended up being a highlight in the Merrimack series, particularly in the deciding game. The penalty kill will need to be in full force again on Friday.
"Our special teams were a catalyst for us," Parker said. "We held the Merrimack power play to 1-for-18, and they were the third-best power play in the nation. We got a couple of big power-play goals in the third game and went 2-for-5 and got the win."
BU's offense will rely on leading scorer Nick Bonino as well as Vinny Saponari, who led in the Terriers' quarterfinal series with seven points. The tandem of Chris Connolly and Colby Cohen, who combined for 61 points this season, will also be looked upon to contribute.
Maine is surging back onto the Garden scene for the first time since 2006 — and according to Parker, the Black Bears are “the most improved team in the league." The Black Bears have rightfully clinched their spot after a grueling come-from-behind series win against UMass Lowell.
Black Bears head coach Tim Whitehead knows his team is thrilled to get back into title contention after falling out of the mix in recent years, and he believes their energy will provide momentum against BU.
“We’re just thrilled to advance in such a dramatic way," Whitehead said. "These guys are excited to be down there [at the Garden], and they are just happy to have extended their season and to be playing in the league Final Four. It is even more special to advance this year after what we’ve fought through. The guys are very excited to make this trip”.
Sophomore Will O'Neil came up big for the Black Bears in Sunday’s decisive game, tallying two goals and an assist. Nyquist and Brian Flynn, however, will again be the players to watch. They have combined for 36 goals, 66 assists and 102 points to lead the Black Bears this season.
When asked what to expect from one another on Friday night, both teams anticipate a highly competitive, tight matchup.
"I expect a hard-fought, well-executed game from Maine," said Parker. "They can skate, they've got one of the best first lines in college hockey, they have the best power play in college hockey and they have great goaltending. That's really made them a terrific team this year."
Though Maine has a lot of respect for BU, it is more than ready for the challenge.
"They’re a strong team and we respect them," Whitehead said. "We know what we're up against. Having said that, it is a great challenge for us, and a great opportunity. No doubt, we certainly respect our opponent, and we know we are up against a real good one.”
