Terriers lose heartbreaker in overtime

BU held a 2-1 lead over Merrimack for more than 40 minutes, but Warriors' netminder Joe Cannata stopped 36 BU shots, allowing his teammates to tie the game in the final minutes, then win on the first shot of overtime, 3-2.

Playing their best hockey since the Denver game, the Terriers took a 2-1 lead late in the first period on a power play goal by Garrett Noonan and a assistant captain Justin Courtnall (photo) conversion down low of slick entry pass by freshman Cason Hohmann.

BU had numerous chances to increase its lead in the second period, with an extended power play, but the Warriors’ goalie, with the third best GAA in the nation, turned them away. Merrimack is killing penalties at a greater than 90% clip.

In the third period, #4 ranked Merrimack failed to score on three power plays, but after Charley Coyle took a questionable interference call with 2:24, the Warriors pulled their goalie and scored on the ensuing 6 on 4. Overtime lasted less than half a minute as a Merrimack shot deflected off a skate past Kieran Millan. The Terrier netminder made 27 saves, including 13 of 14 in the third period.

Ultimately, it was BU’s failure to cash in more than once on nine power plays—they had 18 power plays shots, just one goal—that cost it the game.

“That was the difference in the game, obviously,” said coach Jack Parker on his team’s lack of production. “I was happy with the way we moved the puck. We got chances. It was better earlier, but at the end we had a few too. I think when you get that many [power plays] you get worn out with the same guys, too, so we got a little tired.”

He added, “I was very pleased with how my team played all night
long from the start to the finish.”

BU outshot Merrimack and won the faceoff battle, but fell just short on the scoreboard.

Terriers must regroup to face top-ranked Boston College Sunday afternoon (4 p.m.) in a nationally broadcast game on CBS College Sports.

● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive recap
● Boston Hockey Blog recap and power play analysis
● CHN’s Takeaway analysis
● USCHO recap
● Video highlights

Looking ahead
2012 recruit Robert Polesello scored a goal and two assists in Indiana’s 5-4 overtime loss to Green Bay. 2013 recruit Rob Baillargeon assisted on Polesello’s power play goal.

2012 recruit Matt O’Connor stopped 33 of 35 shots in Youngstown’s 2-1 loss to Muskegon

2012 recruit Mike Moran set up each of his linemates for first-period goals, but Surrey took charge in the second period, outscoring Victoria, 8-5.

Looking back
John Curry, BU’s MVP and Hockey East Player of the Year in 2006-07, stopped 29 of 31 shots in Team U.S.A.’s 2-0 loss to Slovakia in the opening game of the Deutschland Cup. Former BU All-American Freddy Meyer also is on the U.S. squad.

Former BU co-captain John McCarthy scored Worcester’s first goal, then assisted on the game-winner in the IceCats’ 3-2 win against Bridgeport.

Dave Van der Gulik assisted on two Lake Erie goals as the Monsters dumped San Antonio, 4-1.

Women’s team
Terriers face off with New Hampshire at Walter Brown Arena at 3 p.m. this afternoon. Check back for game day information.

Senior captain Jenn Wakefield, playing for Team Canada in the Four Nations tournament, scored the first goal against Finland and then assisted on another in Canada’s 5-0 opening-game win.