Monday, December 12, 2022

Polls, Terrier Takeaway, Greene scores at Canada's camp UPDATED

 

Poll Story

Following the split of two conference games, BU dropped from #7 to #8 in the DCU/USCHO Weekly Poll. Merrimack, which sits atop the Hockey East standings, jumped up from from #11 to #6. One spot behind the Terriers at #9 is Harvard, BU's next opponent. They'll meet on Dec. 30 at Walter Brown Arena. 

Similarly, the Terriers slipped one spot in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll from #6 to #7.

Terriers remain at #7 in the Pairwise Rankings, while in College Hockey News' Power Rankings, based on KRACH, BU also sits at #7. 

 

BU Oldtimer's Terrier Takeaway 


1.         Compared to Friday night’s chaos, matters were much calmer for Drew Commesso today. Aside from Ty Amonte’s goal scored from just outside the crease, BU kept UConn on the periphery of the BU defensive zone for most of the first two periods. The situation changed during the third period, however. Commesso submitted a performance in support of his second-round draftee status. His movement and anticipation were much sharper than they were on Friday evening. The save on Chase Bradley’s shorthanded effort midway through the third period was highlight-reel material.

2.         BU’s first two goals (Nick Zabaneh, Lane Hutson) resulted from quick transition from defense to offense leading to odd man initial rushes. Each of these goals were backhand shots which might serve as reference material should BU play UConn in the postseason.

3.         At the midway mark of the season, it seems to this observer that BU’s best offense, by far, comes on the initial rush. BU’s team speed and quick transition from defense to offense make them a handful for most teams. It’s a different situation when they set up for extended possessions in the opponent’s d-zone. Too often, if the point men don’t do it, it doesn’t get done, Matt Brown excepted. Recently, opponents have pinched the points limiting their effectiveness. To me, there isn’t enough player movement and rapid, crisp puck movement that will lead to quality scoring chances down low. Of the six goals scored vs. BC Friday evening, at least four came from the initial rush.

4.         Three of the five goals scored in the game came after face offs were lost by the team in the defensive zone.

5.         Certainly, one of bright spots for BU thus far in the season has been the play of the 3rd and 4th lines which have been much better than the last few seasons. [At the break, Sam Stevens and Jamie Armstrong each have seven points. Last season Stevens had seven for the season, Armstrong six.]

6.         BU has responded to each its five losses by winning the next game within a day or two. This response speaks to the character of the team, coaching and leadership.

 

Following Sunday's game, Lane Hutson headed to Michigan for the U.S. Junior National Team camp at USA Arena. Commesso, a WJC veteran, told the media after the game: “I can’t wait to watch him there. Lane’s definitely earned his chance to make the team. I think he’s one of the best defensemen in the country already as a freshman and I know he’s going to do great things at the World Juniors. I’ll definitely be rooting for USA, that’s for sure.”

Meanwhile, at Canada's Junior National Team camp, which began Friday in Moncton, NB:

Later in the day, it was announced that Greene was among the cuts from Team Canada, making him available for BU's Dec. 30 date with Harvard at Walter Brown Arena.

● WTBU Sports recap of UConn game

 

Looking ahead

2024 recruit Jack Pridham, currently in his second season with St. Andrews College’s prep team, has committed to play for the BCHL West Kelowna Warriors during the 2023-24 season. The 6’2” right wing has a 13-17-30 line in 23 games, including eight goals in the last nine games.  His father, Brandon, currently serves as the Assistant General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

2024 recruit Brandon Svoboda scored a pair of goals 19 seconds apart in the second period, but Youngstown dropped a 5-3 decision to Madison. The tallies were his fifth and sixth of the season and the first multiple-goal game for the 6'3" right-shot center from Level Green, Penn. He's #88 in white in the video.

 

Looking back

Clayton Keller’s first NHL hat trick was completed with an overtime game-winner as the Coyotes edged the Flyers, 5-4.  Here are all three in sequence.

 

Charlie Coyle scored his eighth goal in the Bruins’ 3-1 win against the Golden Knights.

 

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