Power-play goals fuel Huskies' 5-2 win

#7/8 Terriers dropped a 5-2 decision to UConn at the XL Center in Hartford. After successfully stopping opponents’ last 12 man-advantages, the wheels came off BU’s penalty kill, as the Huskies connected for four power play goals—three by freshman Tage Thompson. 

After Thompson’s first gave UConn a 1-0 lead, BU converted a power play opportunity late in the first. Danny O’Regan flipped home an entry pass from Charlie McAvoy. Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson also assisted on the goal, which was the 50^th of O’Regan’s career, making him the 57^th Terrier to reach that milestone.

Two more UConn goals in the second period extended the lead to 3-1. BU ramped up the attack in the third, outshooting UConn 15-7, but goalie Rob Nichols held them at bay. Terrier penalties late in the period gave the Huskies back-to-back power plays and Thompson turned each into a goal. In the waning minutes, Chase Phelps ripped a centering pass from Ryan Cloonan past Nichols, with Robbie Baillargeon, who had six shots, also assisting.

Overall, BU outshot UConn 38-24, but it was the Huskies who made the most of their chances.

Coach David Quinn:

"I liked our third period but we can't wait until we are down 3-1 to have a sense of urgency. They are obviously playing a little different when up 3-1, that being said, I was happy with our energy and opportunities, we just weren't able to get one by him, he played great in net.

"It was a very good game by UConn. They were very opportunistic on their power play.  Every puck they had at the blue line found its way through. We let everything get through us. We didn't win battles at the net front. That was the story of the game."

● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score.

● BU Goals: O’Regan, Phelps

● Post-game comments: Quinn

● BU Photo Gallery (SteveMcLaughlin)

● Daily Free Press recap and analysis

● HockeyEastOnline recap

● SB Nation recap

Looking back

Former BU standout Terry Meagher will step down as head coach at Bowdoin College next spring, concluding 33 seasons at the Polar Bears’ helm. His teams have accumulated a record of 529-245-54, ranking sixth best in Division III victories.  Meagher led Bowdoin to two NESCAC titles and two ECAC titles, earning DIII national coach of the year honors twice.

As a Terrier, he scored 142 points, including 74 goals, in three seasons (no freshman eligibility in the early 70s) and ranks 25^th on the all-time BU scoring list. Meagher was a key offensive cog on three ECAC championship teams and three Frozen Four teams.

He was followed to BU by two brothers: Rick Meagher, a three-time All American who had a long NHL career; and Tony Meagher, a forward on the 1978 national championship team.

● USCHO report

● Bangor Daily News report

►Former Terrier All-American and Hobey Baker Award winner Jack Eichel turns 19 today.