In a win-or-go-home opening-round playoff game, BU's power play came out of hibernation and led the Terriers to a 4-1 win over a determined Vermont team at Agganis Arena. It was usual suspects--Cole Eiserman and Cole Hutson--delivering on the power play with Eiserman also adding a second goal and Jack Harvey capping the scoring with an empty-netter.
With the win, the #6 seed Terriers move on to the conference quarterfinals and a Saturday meeting with #3 seed UConn in Storrs. Game time will be 1 p.m. BU will make its 16th consecutive appearance in the Hockey East quarterfinals.
BU scored three times in the final period after a lackluster middle period that featured several neutral ice turnovers and failed clearing attempts as well as UVM's only tally.
"At the end of the day," said Coach Jay Pandolfo. "it's a huge win. We had to win tonight and we did. Credit to the guys. I thought Big Mike was excellent tonight, especially in the second [period] when they had a few more chances."
Mikhail Yegorov turned aside 25 shots including a dozen in the middle period.
Jay Pandolfo postgame after BU’s 4-1 win over Vermont. pic.twitter.com/znh5D4dc1e
— Boston Hockey Blog (@BOShockeyblog) March 12, 2026
With birthday boy Jack Parker and Macklin Celebrini looking on, the Terriers dominated the first period in both shots (10-4) and possession, however they weren't rewarded until a Catamount penalty put BU on the man-advantage. Gavin McCarthy passed to Hutson crossing the blueline and he closed to the top of the left circle, drawing a pack of Catamounts before finding Eiserman in his office for a one-timer.It was his 17th of the season and marked five consecutive games with a goal for the Islanders' draft pick.
That's FIVE straight games with a goal for 3️⃣4️⃣!
— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) March 11, 2026
Watch on ESPN+: https://t.co/A8XDDlHpsD@hockey_east | @espnpic.twitter.com/nlGjVYdiRj
The Catamounts knotted the score early in the second period. Yegorov made a save moving to his right and when he had some difficulty regaining his position, Jens Richards attempted a wrap-around. His shot went off Hutson's skate and into the Terrier goal.
Midway through the period, McCarthy took a pass from Hutson and skated to the crease. His shot ended up in the net; however a challenge by the visitors and a review showed that Owen McLaughlin had directed the puck in with his skate and the goal was disallowed.
Minutes later Hutson had a grade A chance that ended up in goalie Aiden Wright's glove.
The third period began with Vermont having the better chances, but that changed seven minutes in. Tynan Lawrence blocked a Vermont clearing attempt, muscled past a defender and controlled the puck. His centering pass found Eiserman all alone just outside the crease and he easily snapped the puck past Wright for the eventual game-winner.
IF YOU NEED A GOAL COUNT ON COLE
— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) March 12, 2026
Watch on ESPN+: https://t.co/A8XDDlGRD5@hockey_east | @espn pic.twitter.com/O0g9pgtvrN
Of Eiserman's 43 goals over two seasons, 31 have been scored at Agganis Arena. (H/T to our friend BU Hockey Stats).
It was still a one-goal game when BU went back on the power play at 12:24. They needed just 12 seconds to cash in. Hutson took a pass from McCarthy, closed to the top of the left circle and wired a shot past Wright, thanks in part to Kamil Bednarik's screen. It was his 10th goal, the most of any Hockey East defenseman.
HUGE GOAL FROM HUTTY!
— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) March 12, 2026
Watch on ESPN+: https://t.co/A8XDDlGRD5@hockey_east | @espn pic.twitter.com/f9RqcinHMz
A penalty to Eiserman with less than five minutes remaining offered a chance for UVM to cut into the lead, but BU killed off the 6-on-4 power play with Wright pulled for an extra skater. Just as the penalty ended, Harvey scored from the red line, assisted by Bednarik. It was his fourth goal in the last five games and his 13th of the season.
Eisy and Yegs were our players of the game tonight! pic.twitter.com/qEgHfYU5DF
— BU Men's Hockey (@TerrierHockey) March 12, 2026
Tynan Lawrence and Cole Eiserman postgame after BU’s 4-1 win over Vermont. pic.twitter.com/1ZkyWKm7Rk
— Boston Hockey Blog (@BOShockeyblog) March 12, 2026
BU has the most wins all-time in the Hockey East Tournament with an 83-45-1 record.
BU finishes their time at Agganis Arena 9-8-1, their 27th straight season without a losing record at home
— BU Hockey Stats (@BUHockeyStats) March 12, 2026
Sophomore Sacha Boisvert, who has indicated he will turn pro with Chicago after the season, was not in the lineup last night. Pandolfo told the media: "I wouldn't necessarily say he was a healthy scratch. He just wasn't available tonight. I'm going to leave it at that."
● GoTerriers.com recap and box score
● Highlights and Postgame Pandolfo/Eiserman/Lawrence
● Boston Hockey Blog BU tops Vermont 4-1 to advance to Hockey East quarterfinals: Takeaways
● Boston Hockey Blog How Tynan Lawrence helped keep BU’s season alive: ‘He cares so much about winning’
● Boston Hockey Blog Terrier Hockey Talk post-game podcast
● BU Hockey Stats Advanced analytics
►►Following the season's final home game, Agganis Arena PA announcer Nick Bove revealed he is leaving for a new career opportunity. He had been the HAA announcer for the past eight seasons.
This is one of the hardest things I've ever written. After eight years behind the mic, my time at Agganis has come to an end.
— Nick Bove (@NickBoveOnAir) March 12, 2026
I'll be leaving for an exciting opportunity in another city soon, but it means I have to give up my dream gig. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/J4OoICQusV
Looking ahead
2026 recruit Caleb Malhotra is among the top scorers in the OHL and is considered a potential top five pick for the NHL Draft in June. He was interviewed on The Prospect Don podcast.
Looking back
Trevor Zegras scored his 22nd goal in the Flyers' 4-1 win against Washington.
The ol’ give-and-go-and-give-and-go!#WSHvsPHI | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/dDPDXarY7C
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 12, 2026
