Oksanen “treats” Terriers to Halloween OT win--UPDATED

Snake bitten through BU’s first five games, senior wing Ahti Oksanen scored  his second goal of the game just 21 seconds into overtime, giving the #7/8 Terriers a hard-fought, 5-4 win over #5 Denver.

BU had built a 4-2 lead after two periods before the visiting Pioneers stormed back to dominate the third period and tie the score.

Freshman Ryan Cloonan opened the scoring just two minutes in, taking a pass in the slot from senior assistant captain Matt Lane. Freshmen Jordan Greenway also assisted. DU’s Will Butcher made the score 1-1 midway through the period; but junior Robbie Baillargeon’s first of the year, converting a centering pass after strong work behind the net from  sophomore A.J. Greer, restored the Terrier lead late in the period.

In the middle period, Brandon Hickey’s second goal of the weekend, unassisted, put BU up 3-1. After Gabe Levin’s goal halved the lead, Oksanen connected on a power play at 13:42, set up by senior assistant captain Danny O’Regan and freshman Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson. 
After enjoying a 29-20 shot advantage over two period, BU was pressured hard by Pioneers who threw 18 shots on goal. An even-strength goal by Troy Terry five minutes in and a shorthander by Quentin Shore at the 12 minute mark deadlocked the score at four apiece. Sophomore goalie Conor LaCouvee made several critical saves on close in shots to keep the score tied before Oksanen’s heroics in overtime.

Photo by Justin Hawk/Daily Free Press

If Ahti’s game-winner brought on a case of déjà vu, you weren’t alone. Many fans saw the similarity to Jack Eichel’s OT winner against Maine last November. Both were hard wrist shots on the rush from top of the circle to the goalie's right. (VIDEO)

Coach David Quinn noted:

“I really liked our first two periods. I think our third period was a microcosm of where we are mentally right now. I don’t know if we’re really ready to win and put teams away. 

“Obviously the story of the third period was our goalie. I thought he was outstanding. He certainly did a great job tonight.”

 ►Three stars: 1. Oksanen. 2 Butcher. 3 Baillargeon. 

 ►After yielding four power play goals in Tuesday’s loss to UConn, BU has killed the next 10 penalties including five man-advantage opportunities for Denver.

● GoTerriers.com recap and comprehensive box score  
● Video highlights ; BU goals:Cloonan, Baillargeon, Hickey, Oksanen, Oksanen OT  
● Post-game comments: Quinn 1, Quinn 2, Oksanen and Hickey 
● Daily Free Press recap and Oksanen ends drought 
● Boston Hockey Blog: Tricks and Treats  
● SB Nation recap  
 ●USCHO recap

Looking ahead

2017 recruit Hank Crone scored his second goal of the season in Omaha’s 5-2 win against Lincoln.  

Looking back

Former Terrier Brian Strait scored his first point of the season for the Islanders in a 3-2 overtime loss to John Hynes’ Devils. 

Matt Nieto scored a shorthander for his second goal of the season in the Sharks' 5-3 loss to Dallas. Video

Former BU netminder Grant Rollheiser kicked aside 34 of 35 shots, enabling the ECHL Wichita Thunder to edge Colorado, 2-1.

● Wichita Eagle recap

Sahir Gill scored his second goal of this season in the Wheeling Nailers’ 2-1 win over Quad City.

 

Women’s Team

#17 Terriers travel north for a Sunday afternoon game at New Hampshire with puck drop at 2 p.m. Junior transfer Alexis Crossley will be facing her former team for the first time. Terriers are led by sophomore Rebecca Leslie (9 points) and freshman Sammy Davis (5 points).

● GoTerriers.com preview, game notes, Live Stats, @BU Game Day

Looking ahead

Terriers have received a commitment for 2016-17 from Ottawa Lady Senators’ forward Tasza Tarnowski, who played for the Canadian National U18 team this summer against Team USA.

● CBC News report