Sophs spark comeback win

The Terrier scored six unanswered goals—five in the third period—to come roaring backing from a three-goal deficit for a 7-4 win over UM-Lowell last night. After replacing a struggling Karson Gillespie (3 goals allowed on 6 shots) in goal early in the middle stanza, the Terriers took control led by sophomore center Luke Popko’s two goals, a pretty breakaway goal and a well earned assist by fellow second-year player Zach Cohen (whose efforts Jack Parker termed “a coming out party") and a strong relief effort in goal by Brett Bennett.

It was a strange game: despite falling behind by three goals, the Terriers enjoyed a huge territorial advantage and most of the best scoring. But BU made about half a dozen critical errors in the first 25 minutes and four of them ended up in the net.

Scott Weighart’s USCHO recap and the HE Online boxscore provide the game details and also Coach Parker’s comments, with particularly insightful ones about both Zach Cohen and Gillespie. Some first-hand observations:

--The Dog Pound was in fine form providing some extra motivation for the Terriers to keep working, even when trailing by three goals.

--Zach Cohen’s work along the boards all night, but especially preceeding Popko's first, was exceptional. He didn’t earn an assist on Popko’s second, but credit him with hard work to step his up, with a big assist, no doubt, to Mike Boyle. When Brandon Yip , who missed the game with a groin injury, returns, each of the Terriers’ four lines will have a strong physical presence and Popko and Cohen get Lawrence's skill back with them. Colin Wilson continues to shrug off defends while maintaining puck control in the offensive zone.

--Besides his steady play in goal, Bennett impressed with his DiPietro-esque head man passes. In 99-00, the Ricky-to-Corazzini combo produced a bunch of breakaways and many scoring chances, regularly bringing Terriers fans to their feet.

--Looking at the two scoresheets for the week, BU really spread out the offense. Ten different players had goals with only Weston scoring in both games--and he nearly had a third, hitting the post. Eight players who didn't score goals did have assists, including Bennett. Every forward except Yip and Lawrence was on the scoresheet.

Speaking of DiPietro, he started in goal last night in the Islanders 3-2 win over the high-octane Penguins, with Al Arbour coming out of retirement to coach his 1500 NHL, behind the Fishticks’ bench. DiPietro stopped 12 of 13 shots before leaving the game with an eye injury that isn’t considered serious.