Tuesday Linkorama

Following Saturday’s 3-2 Terrier win over Michigan, The Daily Free Press examines the impact of BU’s four freshman forwards. All four contributed to the victory and walk-on center Ryan Santana (photo) earned some exurberant praise from Coach Jack Parker. The Free Press also looked at Kieran Millan’s strong effort in goal to secure the win.

Millan, Joe Pereira and Captain Kevin Shattenkirk were recognized as top performers in Hockey East’s weekly news release.

With 16 successful kills out of 17 opposition power plays, BU’s kill percentage is 94.1. Next weekend’s home-and-home series with UMass-Lowell will provide another challenge for the Terriers’ PK unit, which will be without Nick Bonino for the next few weeks due to a dislocated shoulder.

The past week’s split of games with CCHA opponents dropped BU from third place to fourth in the USCHO/CBS Sports poll. Lowell, with a 3-1-0 record move up from 13th to ninth.

Looking back
While Bonino was in the trainer’s room Saturday night after suffering a dislocated shoulder, former BU captain Jay Pandolfo suffered a similar injury in the Devils win against the Penguins.

A Hockeyfuture.com assessment of prospects in the Penguins organization commented on three ex-Terriers.

►Brian Strait: Strait, a player who played a pivotal leadership role in Boston University’s Frozen Four victory, employs a simple, defensive-oriented style of game that the Penguins are hoping will mean a quick transition to the NHL. Although he is often compared to former Penguin Rob Scuderi, Strait brings a more dynamic game to the ice than Scuderi did at the same age. While his forte is defense, Strait has a solid outlet pass, an underrated shot from the point, and is a strong lateral and backward skater.

►John Curry: The Penguins de facto goaltender if things go awry is John Curry. At 25 and in his third season in the AHL, the goaltender has nothing left to prove at the minor-pro level and is simply waiting for his chance to demonstrate he can make it in the big show. The athletic goaltender has shown good positioning and recovery.

►Chris Bourque: The Penguins group of right wingers is headlined by waiver-wire pickup Chris Bourque. A dynamic offensive player and veteran of over 275 AHL games, Bourque had made only a handful of appearances with the Penguins this season, playing mostly in a fourth-line role. At 23, Bourque has absolutely nothing left to prove at the AHL level. The question at this point in his career is whether his offensive production will carry over to the NHL level or will he be more of a bottom-six type of contributor.

Jason Lawrence has signed a contract with ECHL Charlotte, an affiliate of the Avalanche and Rangers. Lawrence, who led BU in goals last season, joins Kenny Roche on the Checkers' roster.