NTDP U18s stymie BU, win 7-4 UPDATED

#6 BU hosted the USNTDP U18s last night at Agganis Arena. The good news is that the three best players in the game are coming to BU. The bad news is that they don’t arrive until next season, as Team USA scored three times in the final period to earn a 7-4 win. BU more than doubled the visitors shot total, 45 to 22, but never held the lead in the game.

Too much emphasis on offense and sloppy work in their own zone proved to be the Terriers’ downfall. Coach David Quinn remarked:

“We play immature hockey, we play high-risk hockey. That’s not how we’re going to have success. And it might take some time, it might take some time, but every time we crawl back into it, we weren’t mentally tough enough to stay with it and we weren’t building on any momentum.”

BU’s first line accounted for three of the goals with Ahti Oksanen scoring twice and Danny O’Regan once, while Jordan Greenway, who impressed with his physicality and agility, had a pair of assists. Matt Lane’s third-period gritty goal narrowed the margin to 4-3.

For team USA, 2016 recruit Jake Oettinger was immense in goal in more ways than one. The 6-4 goalie displayed excellent positioning and a quick glove, turning aside 41 BU shots. Center Clayton Keller was a force all night at both ends of the ice, setting up three Team USA goals, including two by linemate Kieffer Bellows. The fourth future Terrier, team captain defenseman Chad Krys, had an assist and displayed impressive skating quickness and puck-carrying ability. (See SB Nation analysis linked below)

Asked what needs to be done to right the ship, Oksanen replied, " Hit guys, just not watch the puck all the time and not be so focused on the offense."

Last night's Three stars:

1. Clayton Keller 
2. Jake Oettinger 
3. Kieffer Bellows 
One could make a good case that Oettinger deserved the first star.

Terriers are back on the ice tonight, taking on Wisconsin in the home opener. (Game Day details and links). 

Anyone with a ticket to tonight's game gets free admission to the Women's 3 p.m. game against Clarkson at Walter Brown Arena.

► Among those in attendance were former Terrier Head Coach Jack Parker and former Terrier assistant coach and L.A. Kings scout Bob Crocker. The “Dean of New England scouts,” Crocker was named as a recipient of the 2015 Lester Patrick Trophy for outstanding service to hockey in the United States. He’ll receive the award on December 17th in Boston during the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame induction dinner. 

▪ GoTerriers. Com recap and comprehensive box score

▪ Video highlights

▪ Post-game comments: David Quinn and Ahti Oksanen

▪ Daily Free Press recap and analysis

▪ Boston Hockey Blog: Pluses and Minuses, Photo Gallery

▪ USCHO recap

▪ SB Nation scouting report on each U18 player

►►For SB Nation's  NHL Draft Spotlight Series , Jeff Cox profiled Terrier freshman Charlie McAvoy, who despite being the youngest player in Division 1 this season is projected to be a first-round pick in next June's entry draft.

"Being able to play for Coach Quinn was one of the main reasons I came to BU. The personal defensive practices and his knowledge of how to play in the defensive zone," McAvoy explained. "My offensive game is there, but defense comes first."

Looking ahead

2016 recruit Dante Fabbro assisted on two Penticton goals, including the game-winner, as the Vees extended their winning streak to 11, defeating Prince George, 5-2.  Fabbro, who earned first-star honors, now has 19 points in 11 games and is the BCHL’s top-scoring blueliner.  

▪ Box score

2016 recruit Vas Kolias scored his first goal of the season, a shorthander, in Youngstown's 3-2 overtime loss to Dubuque.

2017 recruit David Farrance recorded his first point of the season in the NTDP U17s’ 8-1 loss to Madison.

Central Catholic's Jake Wise, a BU commit, was guest of NTDP @ Agganis last night. Top '00 forward in country is sure bet to get NTDP invite

— Jeff Cox (@JeffCoxSports) October 17, 2015

Women’s Team

#9 Terriers scored the first two goals, but gave up four unanswered tallied by #4/5 Clarkson to drop a 4-2 decision at Walter Brown Arena.  For BU, captain Kayla Tutino found the net in the opening period and Maddie Elia (photo) doubled the lead just 37 seconds into the second, with Sarah Lefort assisting on both goals. Victoria Hanson turned aside 37 Golden Knights’ shots.

The teams are back on the ice today in a 3 p.m. start to conclude the series.

▪ GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score